Groups and Teamwork, Essay Example

Groups and teamwork are vital concepts that transfer into both personal and professional lives. These consist of two or more individuals who work towards a common goal, holding equal accountability. Teams work because it brings together a number of individuals who have the same focus and priorities. Group behavior is an important part of the team effectiveness. The norms of behavior are what can be expected from the team. These can written or unwritten, verbal and even uncommunicated. Social loafing is an additional concern. When one’s voice is not heard, and the majority continually dictates the group outcome, it can lead to a negative effect on the overall team.

Characteristics of a mature group create a purpose and a mission. The group’s mission is to focus on the tasks set by the organization. These groups do not create a purpose or focus without having this basis. Behavioral norms will grow over time. It allows the members to rate the other members based upon individual involvement. Group cohesion allows the groups to have control over the standards and group norms. Work team structures play a vital role in the group’s success. It provides a basis for the likelihood of success for the desired outcome. Work team process manages the cooperative behavior and the managing of competitive behaviors. For cooperative behavior, it requires the groups to build communication, trust, mutual support, personal integrity, and positive interdependence. The competitive behaviors require the members to be good winners or losers, and to play fair.

Diversity is a growing focus on building teams and groups. The more diverse a group is, the better the overall outcome. Diversity allows for collaboration of many different ideas, and they come together to best suit their diverse clientele. Dissimilarities within the group can pose challenges, so groups need to be able to overcome these obstacles. Structural diversities address the holes or gaps within the group dynamic. Creativity is also important for a successful group dynamic. It allows for individuals to take their ideas and build using other’s inputs. Empowerment and self-managed teams are also important for groups and teamwork. Self-managed teams need to make decisions and work together without being micromanaged.