Effective Teamwork - Book Report/Review Example

Introduction Groups and teams has been defined concurrently and used interchangeably to refer to either two people or more who have a common interest and operate under similar influence. For this reason a number of literature have had a diverse opinion in defining groups and teams and their characteristic features. Katzenbach and Smith define a team refers to a unit of persons who are guided by common interests and skills that are complementary and are bound to achieve a common mission (Katzenbach & Smith, 2010, p. 7). The team members are accountable of any situation that arises as they tend to achieve the preset mission. Nagel (2006) states that a team or groups can either be formal or informal and further defines a group as a pair of persons or more who associate interdependently with an aim of achieving a common goal that they have agreed upon (Nagel, 2006, p. 3). Lumsden and Lumsden (2010) however, attempt to give a precise distinction between a team and a group. In their context, they define a team by stating the role that it does to the individual members. The two identify a team as that combined effort that gives each individual a sense of self identity alongside enabling one integrate self imaging which further acts as a compelling force towards achieving the set objective (Lumsden, Lumsden & Wiethoff, 2010, p. 13). According to the literature a team creates a more coherent focus alongside working momentum as compared to group. In their concluding remarks about the definition of a team, they do integrate a group to be an element of a team who operate on a common basis to ensure self identity and achievement of common mission (Lumsden, Lumsden & Wiethoff, 2010, p. 14). Characteristics of Effective Teamwork Many scholars have outline features and characteristics of an effective teamwork. According to the literature by Sharon & Sylvia, characteristics of an effective teamwork fall under three broad categories which include organizational structure, individual contribution and a team process (Sharon & Sylvia, 2000, p. 202). Nagel further affirms the various elements that have been listed by Sharon et al and discusses each of the points and their contribution to effective teamwork (Nagel, 2006, p. 10). The organizational structures according to Sharon & Sylvia comprise the procedural aspect of coordinating activities that within the group. There hence a number of factors have been considered under the organizational structures which include: a) Setting of the precise purpose for the team work b) Rolling out a culture that is appropriate for all the group members c) Identifying a specific task for all the team members d) Allocation of distinct duties to each of the team members e) Availing resources that suits the achievement of the identified task f) Creating a suitable managerial body g) Ensuring the team comprises of members who a prerequisite knowledge in the identified area of interest Identifying the team involves setting out the mission for the organization. A review of the literature by West 2004 stresses the significance of setting out missions and visions (West, 2004, p. 23). On this basis the set missions always fall within the interest of the entire team members and have been stated with great professionalism. In terms of rolling out a culture that is appropriate for every team members an organization is expected to set out a scheme that is clearly defined and meet the expectations of the of every member (Pina & Joe, 2002, p. 35). There hence the team would ensure the culture that has been set enhances the success of the entire team. Identifying a specific role and allocation of the distinct duties according to Sharon & Sylvia are elements of the structural organization that play a critical role within a team. The two factors ensure the roles allocated to each member falls within their interest and suit the mission of the team. It would thus ensure the achieving and the success of the team is reached unanimously. Appropriate leadership would ensure allocation of resources to accomplish the identified tasks is appropriately done to relevant group members (West, 2004, p. 30). According to Brill (2007) the contribution of every team members is a significant characteristic of an effective team work. Further, a number of literatures have outlined the various levels of experience that have been noted within team members. There hence the literature does agree that the contribution of each individual baring a certain level of experience is prerequisite to an effective teamwork (Brill, 2007, p. 46). This category can further be subdivided into self knowledge, trust, commitment and flexibility. Sharon et al states that each of the team members has the task to contribute to the success of the group in a unique manner based on the personal skills and interest that the individual has. The same point has been emphasized by West in his literature to contribute greatly towards an effective team work (West, 2004, p. 40). The element of trust has been identified to contribute to competence in achieving the set mission for all the group members. However, it has been identified that trust develops progressively within team members and the resultant effect is increased reliability which further ensures the group members achieve the goal as outlined under the organization structure (Sharon & Sylvia, 2000, p. 207). Commitment and flexibility in interchanging roles within the group members are also elements of self knowledge that have been identified as contributing factors towards an effective teamwork. Loxley (2007) in his literature states that flexibility further encourages honesty and ensures a healthy team work that operates within a specified professionalism and policies. These elements contribute greatly towards an effective team work (Loxley, 2007, p. 67) The last category that contributes to an effective teamwork has been identified in a number of literatures as team process. According to Sharon et al, team process refers to a number of operational activities that are subtler elements of interaction within an organization and contributes towards ensuring the output is transformed in the right manner to give the output (Sharon & Sylvia, 2000, p. 210). The various processes under teamwork have been outlined into seven categories which include coordination, communication, and cohesion, making decisions, management of conflict, social relationship and feedback performance. Each of the elements has been mentioned to work interchangeably to ensure achievement of the set mission within the team work. Further conflict resolution strategies have also been set that ensures a peacefully manner of settling disputes and ensuring the group members remain committed to working on the stated roles (Payne, 2008, p. 34) Conclusion In summary, teamwork comprises persons guided by a common interest and work to achieve a particular mission set out by the organization. A number of elements have to be coordinated in a manner that ensures the set mission is achieved without any failure. Such elements are what have been outlined as the characteristics of an effective teamwork. The characteristics thus include organizational structure, individual contribution and team process. References Brill, N., 2007, Teamwork: Working Together in the Human Services. JB Lippincott, Philadelphia. Katia, S., & Gita, S., 2006. Literature Review of Teamwork Model. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Available at https://www.ri.cmu.edu/pub_files/pub4/sycara_katia_2006_1/sycara_katia_2006_1.pdf. [Accessed 19 December 2014]. Katzenbach, J. R. & Smith, D., 2010. The Wisdom of Teams: Creating the High-Performance Organization. Harper Business, New York. Loxley, A., 2007. Collaboration in Health and Welfare. Jessica Kingsley Publishers, London. Lumsden, G., Lumsden, D. L., & Wiethoff, C., 2010. Communicating in groups and teams: sharing leadership. Australia, Wadsworth Cengage Learning. Nagel, N. R., 2006. Organizational Behavior and Organizational Change Groups & Teams. Lehigh University Pina, T., & Joe, L., 2002. Successful teamwork: A case study. Available at http://www.unice.fr/crookall-cours/teams/docs/team%20Successful%20teamwork.pdf. [Accessed 19 December 2014]. Payne, M., 2008, Working in Teams, The Macmillan Press, London Sharon, M. I., & Sylvia, R., 2000. Characteristics of effective teams: a literature review. Available at http://tlmerrill.pbworks.com/w/file/fetch/85213915/Mickan%20and%20Rodger%20-%20Characteristics%20of%20Effective%20Teams.pdf. [Accessed 19 December 2014]. West, M., 2004, Effective Teamwork, (1st ed) British Psychological Society, Leicester Read More