Managing Groups and TeamsManaging Groups and Teams

Groups and Teams

• Group–Two or more persons who are interacting in

such a way that each person influences and is influenced by each other person.

• Team–A group of people committed to a common

purpose, set of performance goals, and approach for which the team members hold themselves mutually accountable.

Types of Work Teams

Virtual Team

• Virtual Team–Groups of geographically and/or organizationally dispersed

coworkers who interact using a combination of telecommunications and information technologies to accomplish an organizational task.

–Virtual teams may be temporary, existing only to accomplish a specific task. Or they may be permanent and address ongoing matters.

–Membership is often fluid, evolving according to changing task requirements.

Group Dynamics

• Group Norms–The informal rules that groups adopt to regulate

and regularize group members’ behavior.• Group Cohesiveness

–The degree of interpersonal attractiveness within a group, dependent on factors like proximity, similarities, attraction among the individual group members, group size, intergroup competition, and agreement about goals.

What It Takes to Be a Team Player

• Personality–Individualism versus collectivism

• Interpersonal Skills–Conflict management skills–Collaborative problem solving skills–Communication skills

• Management Skills–Develop and establish goals–Control, monitor, provide feedback–Set work roles and assign tasks

Challenges to Creating TeamPlayers• Managers attempting to introduce teams into

organization face the most difficulty:–When individual employee resistance to teams

is strong–Where the national culture is individualistic

rather than collectivist–When an established organization places

How to Build a Productive Team

Have clear mission/purpose. Set specific performance goals. Compose the right team size and mix. Have an agreed-upon structure appropriate to the task. Delegate the authority to make the decisions needed, given their

mission. Provide access to or control of the resources needed to

complete their mission. Offer a mix of group and individual rewards. Foster longevity and stability of membership

Characteristics of High-performing Work Teams

Leading Productive Teams

• Team Leader Skills–Coaching, not

bossing–Help define,

analyze, and solve problems

–Encourage participation by others

–Serve as a facilitator

• Team Leader Values–Respecting fellow

team members–Trusting fellow

team members–Putting the team

first

How to Improve Team Performance

• Select members for skill and teamwork.

• Establish challenging performance standards.

• Emphasize the task’s importance.

• Assign whole tasks.• Send the right signals.• Encourage social support.• Make sure there are

unambiguous team rules

• Challenge the group regularly with fresh facts and information.

• Train and cross-train.• Provide the necessary tools

and material support.• Encourage “emotionally

intelligent” team behavior.

Thank You.....