Chapter 5

Organizing Groups and Teams

Organizing Groups and Teams

I. Tasks and linkages in small groups

II. Teamwork and interdependence

III. Determinants of successful teamwork

IV. Team structure and top performance

V. Saturn: the story behind the story

Teamwork

Teamwork: “Represents a set of values that encourages listening and

responding constructively to views expressed by others, giving each other the benefit of the doubt, providing support, and recognizing the interests and achievements of others”

– Boleman & Deal

Successful teams: Have an effective structure of roles Relationships are focused on attaining common

goals

I. Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups

Structural options Must allow members to contribute

successfully Situational variables influencing structure

1. What are we trying to accomplish?2. What needs to be done?3. Who should do what?4. How should we make decisions?5. Who is in charge?6. How do we coordinate efforts?

I. Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups cont…

Situational variables, cont.7. What do individuals care about most – time,

quality, participation, etc…?

8. What are the special skills and talents of each group member?

9. What is the relationship between this group and others?

10. How will we determine success?

I. Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups cont…

Basic structural configurations One boss

Information & decisions flow from top Communication is directed to the boss Approach works best with simple and

straightforward tasks

Figure 5-1: One Boss

I. Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups cont…

Basic structural configurations Dual authority

Creates a 2nd management level Two members are given authority

over specific areas Works best when tasks are

divisible Limits access with the boss

Figure 5- 2: Dual Authority

I. Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups cont…

Basic structural configurations Simple hierarchy

Middle manager reports to boss Allows boss to focus on strategy Limits access to boss

I. Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups cont…

Basic structural configurations Circle Information flows

sequentially from one group member to another

Morale is usually high

I. Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups cont…

Basic structural configurations All channel (web of inclusion)

Creates multiple connections so that team members can talk to anyone

Team members must have good communication skills

Must tolerate ambiguity, management conflict

Teamwork and Interdependence

Organized Sports Different sports call for unique patterns of differentiation,

levels of interdependence, and coordination Baseball

“lonely game”

Football Every play involves every player Strategy and execution are necessary ingredients

Basketball Every player may be involved with any of the other four Success depends on a flowing relationship among team

members Players who have been together along time develop a sense

of what each player will do

Determinants of Successful Teamwork

The right team structure depends on what a teams is trying to do

Important questions when determining an appropriate structural design:

1. What is the nature and degree of task interaction among unit members?

2. What is the geographic distribution of members?

3. Where does the autonomy (self-sufficiency) reside?

4. How is coordination achieved?

5. Should structure be conglomerate, mechanistic, or organic?

6. What sports metaphor captures the tasks of management: Fill out line-up card Prepare game plan Influence flow

Team Structure & Top Performance

Six distinguishing characteristics of high-performing teams

1. Purpose shaped in light of demand or opportunity

2. Specific, measurable goals

3. Manageable size

4. Right mix of expertise

5. Common commitment

6. Collectively accountable

Saturn: The Story Behind the Story

Quality, consumer satisfaction, customer loyalty

Employees granted authority to make decisions within a few & flexible guidelines

Assembly done by teams—wisdom of teams

“ The old system of sequential, repetitive efforts by isolated individuals is a thing of the past.”

Group accountability

Conclusion

Every group evolves a structure—but not always one that fits the task and circumstances.

Hierarchy, top-down structures tend to work for simple, stable tasks.

When the task or environment is more complex, the structure needs to adapt.

Sports images provide a metaphor for structural options.

Vary the structure in response to change. Few groups have flawless members; the right

structure can make optimal use of available resources.