Group and team behavior - Organizational behavior - Assignment Example

Group and Team Behavior College 13/7 Group and Team Behavior 3M is a USA based multinational company. It operates in 65 countries with worldwide sales of $ 26.7 billion and 80,000 employees. Since 1990s, company has adopted concept of using self-directed teams. As per one definition “self directed work team-SDWT is a group of employees who combine different skills and talents to work without usual managerial supervision towards a common purpose or goal”(SDWT definition).These teams are independent units, which are empowered to take decisions, manage processes and adapt to customer needs.

Teams also perform management or supervisory role along with doing work. The revolutionary concept was adopted purely due to market needs and as a departure from traditional corporate functioning. The adoption has increased 3M productivity up to 300 % at some places. Advantages of using this system include improved customer relationship and loyalty, increased productivity and efficiency, greater freedom of action and adaptability, low organizational costs, less job categorization, worker welfare, improved services and survival of fittest.

Limitations of using this system are initial risks, requisite training, time required in adopting culture, learning of basic management skills by all and bigger responsibility at lower level. Major challenges in this system are focus and involvement of employees, and customer satisfaction. Motivated employees are the best assets any firm can have. Rewarding for good performance is the best source of motivation. Rewards may be given in the form empowerment, recognition amongst peers, financial benefits, promotions, acknowledgement for creativity and innovation, training, quality of living and facilities.

At 3M, work teams are rewarded with variable pay, which includes sales commissions and annual incentives. Incentives include annual bonus, stock ownership, monthly sales benefits, medical and dental expenses including dependents, life insurance, multiple health aids like weight management, legal consultations, Group, auto and home insurance and flexible work arrangements etc. The firm also gives excellent learning opportunities in all forms (3M). The work teams at 3M adopt holistic approach to problem solving.

Problems are explored and tackled as a group whether a function or production is required. All team members are interdependent; they maintain close contact with employees, find firsthand information about issues, give immediate feed back, suggest solutions, make decisions, manage resources and monitor results. Those who are closest to the work environment play the key roles. Due to best practices ,innovation and employee efficiency 3M was voted world’s third most innovative company in 2010 , in a survey by consultant Booz & Co ( Making Open Innovation Work).

References 3M. Benefits & Compensation retrieved from http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/careers/home/WorkingAt3M/Benefits/ SDWT definition retrieved from http://searchcio.techtarget.com/definition/self-directed-work-team Making Open Innovation work, a case of 3M June 6 2011retrieved from https://mitchellosak.wordpress.com/tag/problem-solving/