Reframing Organizations, 4th ed.

Chapter 5

Organizing Groups and Teams

The Power of Teams

Teams are vital to organizational performance Transplant surgeon Peter Minnich: the team is

as important as the surgeon High-performance commando team: fluid,

lateral structure for planning, top-down structure for execution

Top-performing teams need the right blueprint of roles and relationships

Organizing Groups and Teams

Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups Teamwork and Interdependence Determinants of Successful Teamwork Team Structure and Top Performance Saturn: The Story Behind the Story

Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups

Structural Options Situational Variables Influencing Structure

What is our goal? What needs to be done? Who should do what? How should we make decisions? Who is in charge? How do we coordinate efforts?

Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups (II)

Situational Variables, con’t. What do individuals care about most?

Time Quality Participation

What are special skill and talents of members? What is the relationship between groups? How will we determine success?

Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups (III) Basic Structural

Configurations One Boss Dual Authority Simple Hierarchy Circle Network All Channel Network

Figure 5-1: One Boss

Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups (III) Basic Structural

Configurations One Boss Dual Authority Simple Hierarchy Circle Network All Channel Network

Figure 5- 2: Dual Authority

Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups (III) Basic Structural

Configurations One Boss Dual Authority Simple Hierarchy Circle Network All Channel Network

Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups (III) Basic Structural

Configurations One Boss Dual Authority Simple Hierarchy Circle Network All Channel Network

Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups (III) Basic Structural

Configurations One Boss Dual Authority Simple Hierarchy Circle Network All Channel Network

Teamwork and Interdependence

Baseball Football Basketball

Determinants of Successful Teamwork Determining an appropriate structural design

Nature and degree of task interaction Geographic distribution of members Where is autonomy needed, given the team’s

goals and objectives? Should structure be conglomerate,

mechanistic, or organic? Task of management:

fill out line-up card prepare game plan Influence flow

Team Structure and Top Performance Six distinguishing characteristics of high-

performing teams Shape purpose in response to a demand or

opportunity Specific, measurable goals Manageable size Right mix of expertise Common commitment Collectively accountable

Saturn: The Story Behind the Story

Quality, Consumer Satisfaction, Customer Loyalty

Employees granted authority Assembly done by teams – Wisdom of

Teams Group Accountability

Conclusion

Every group evolves a structure, but not always one that fits task and circumstances

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

When task or environment is more complex, 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