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Group Dynamics

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HBR Application Paper #3
Ann Maugherman
MGT 532; MSM 299
Dr. David Losey
June 30, 2011

Statement of Academic Honesty: I have read and understand the plagiarism policy as outlined in the syllabus and the sections in the Student Bulletin relating to the IWU Honesty/Cheating Policy. By affixing this statement to the title page of my paper, I certify that I have not cheated or plagiarized in the process of completing this assignment. I also certify that the work submitted is original work specific for this course and to the M.S.M program. If it is found that cheating and/or plagiarism did take place in the writing of this paper, I understand the possible consequences of the act/s, which could include expulsion from Indiana Wesleyan University
HBR Application Paper #3

Article Summary

Finding the perfect group dynamics presents many challenges for organizations. When teams are formed to collaborate on a project they are often large, diverse, and highly specialized or educated (Erickson & Gratton, 2007). Teams formed with the above listed characteristics are often less effective and nonproductive. Collaboration between large teams tends to decrease due to the sheer size of the group. The more diverse a team is the less likely they are to share knowledge. Highly specialized and educated members of teams are less likely to collaborate. Sharing knowledge and experience is highly unlikely due to an unwillingness to accept another’s work. So how is a highly collaborative team created? There are eight factors that lead to the success of a team. The first three factors are modeled after the lead executives assigned with creating the team. These lead executives have to encourage collaborative behavior, and be highly collaborative themselves. The lead executives also have to mentor and coach team members so networks can be established company wide (Erickson & Gratton, 2007). Factors four and five are essential to collaborative teams because they are traits that can be taught to current employees. Factor four includes educating current employees on how to build strong relations through effective communication and conflict resolution. Factor five is supporting a sense of community within the entire organization. Employees are more likely to reach out and share knowledge when a sense of community exists (Erickson & Gratton, 2007). The last three factors essential for team collaboration occur in the initial start up phase of any team. Factor six is assigning a team lead or team manager that is both task and

relationship oriented. The best managers are those who can balance the task and the people best. Factor seven involves selecting team members who are not total strangers. Employees are more willing to share knowledge with someone whom they are familiar. The last factor essential for team collaboration is defining roles for everyone involved and giving them a little slack to achieve those assignments.

Significance to Organizational Behavior

Team collaboration is essential to organizational behavior. In today’s advancing world of technology and network access, organizations are dealing with large amounts of growth and advancement. Organizations are experiencing new problems and challenges that are not easily solved by one or two individuals or even departments. Collaborative teams are needed to deal with new product development, customer satisfaction, and market competitiveness. More brainstorming and collaboration is needed in order for organizations to stay competitive and knowledgeable with the changing business world. Organizations can only experience innovation and business success with effective management creating collaborative teams to deal with the changing climate that exists in the business world today. Nothing stays the same in business, if organizations cannot keep up with the changing times failure is bound to occur. Effective planning and forecasting by senior leaders is essential for the physical health of any organization. Team collaboration is the best why to prepare for future change in organizations. Uniting individuals who are willing to be part of “the team” through effective communication, conflict resolution, community strength, and task ambiguity can ensure organizational health.

Analysis of Topic

All eight factors discussed in this article are very important to ensure collaborative teams are created. In my opinion, the most essential aspect of team collaboration is assigning the right team leader to the group. In my professional experience knowledge and expertise comes with practice and application. In order to have collaborative teams that are productive and useful there has to be a strong leader, to help mentor and provide guidance when needed. My last managerial role was with a company that believed in the philosophy of hire for attitude, train for skill. I firmly believe that this philosophy of hire for attitude, train for skill allows individuals to experience professional growth in that they are empowered to think globally for the organization, not for themselves. This ground work is essential when organizations start to build teams to solve problems, accomplish tasks, and promote organizational growth.

Potential application to behavior

When I think of the eight factors needed in order to build a collaborative team, I immediately think of Indiana Wesleyan University’s Adult Education program. I have been a student at Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) for six years. Team or group work has been an essential part of the curriculum for the University. When I think back on all of the group work that I’ve accomplished over the last six years, I can relate all eight factors to how I and the group made the program successful. Factors of my group’s success have to be a sense of community, showing a deep level of commitment for success, and understanding roles and task ambiguity. As I stated earlier knowledge and experience will come as tasks are completed. If the group has a level of commitment, and a desire to achieve team collaboration will exist. If team collaboration exists the group will obtain success.

References
(Erickson T Gratton L 2007 8 Ways to build collaborative teams)Erickson, T., & Gratton, L. (2007). 8 Ways to build collaborative teams. Harvard Business Review, 85(5), 101-109.
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