Obstacles Facing Short-Fused Teams Organizations are consistently relying on the formation and implementation of short- fused teams to accomplish specific goals in an effective and efficient manner. However, these teams are often created in an abrupt fashion and face lofty expectations in spite of a drastically low amount of previous interaction and uniquely defined goals from within the group dynamic. These obstacles are exacerbated by the overarching time constraints that are placed on these teams, especially when the issue is complex and its optimal resolution uncertain. More specifically managers are tasked with “creating a climate that supports these teams” that allows them to coexist and accomplish the purpose of their formation (Doolen, 285). However, social and professional conflict may hinder production and can prove difficult to effectively manage. Furthermore, outside circumstances such as time and resources, may exacerbate the issue. These obstacles, albeit not comprehensive, consist of role ambiguity, conflicting interests, resistance to change, and lack of cohesion and its effect on the difficulty of information sharing (Chan, 2008).
Role Ambiguity In forming teams, organizations often form new positions and responsibilities previously non-existent within the current design. This creates a level of uncertainty surrounding these unknown responsibilities and expectations and, as a result, can increase the level of stress the individual members of the team will face and can negatively impact both job-satisfaction and performance (Bottita, 2003). Furthermore, team members are likely new to one another and these new and uncertain responsibilities strain an already delicate socialization process (Kozlowski, 2001). The existence of clear roles helps short-fused teams in a number of different ways. Clearly defined roles “enable comfortable,