4 Assignment
Purpose: To
examine the positive and negative aspects of group/team development. Using
critical thinking skills to write a paper on what managers can do to encourage
a healthy team environment. This week’s assignment gives the student an
opportunity to investigate how the relationship among team members shape
employee behavior. The exercise will provide insight into how managers
influence the direction of team cohesion. Completion of this assignment will
strengthen understanding of empowerment and communications.
Assignment
Description:
The
idea of teamwork continues to be popular, some may say, a necessity in today’s
competitive environment. Successful companies such as Apple, Inc., WalMart,
Target, to name a few, pride themselves on success through teamwork. But,
teamwork does not simply happen. The manager must work hard to ensure there is
balance between the needs of the team and the needs of the individuals who make
up the team.
In
this assignment, you will write a 3 to 4-page paper on the positive and
negative aspects of teamwork. Your paper should address the following
guidelines.
1.
What is teamwork and how is it different from group work?
2.
What are three (3) positive reasons why a manager would prefer working with
teams?
3.
What are three (3) negative reasons why a manager would prefer working with
teams?
4.
What are the similarities between the Abilene Paradox and groupthink?
5.
Name at least three (3) ways a manager might strengthen team member commitment.
6.
Name one local, national, or global organization that you feel represents
success through
teamwork.
1. Watch
the following video:
This video is a synopsis of the
Abilene Paradox and how groupthink influences decision making within a
group. The Abilene Paradox is a story of a group of individual who agree
on a course of action based on the theory that it is best for the group,
despite going against the preferences of the members of the group.
[CRM Learning, L.P.]. (2008, July 7).Abilene paradox, communication training, organizational behaviors,
accountability. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_iGdiYO7gI
2.
Lessons you acquired from the video should be reflected in your paper.
