Transcript Teams Development and Conflict

Teams
Process & Conflict
Zsuzsanna Szabo, Ph. D.
Groups vs. Teams
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Groups = individuals working together to
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Teams
accomplish a given task
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a group that has reached a higher level of
quality
has developed cohesiveness among its
members
strive for a magnified impact of results
members are collectively responsible for
the performance outcome
Groups vs. Teams
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Groups
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Roles evolve in time
Goals developed in
discussions
Members interact and
develop methods of
working
Relative interdependence
among members
Rules and norms evolve
as the group meets
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Teams
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Assigned roles
Clearly defined goals
Members formally
collaborate and
coordinate their efforts
Members are
interdependent
Rules and norms are
explicitly discussed and
developed in order to
coordinate the work
Characteristics of highly
effective teams
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Clear and challenging goal
Results-driven structure
Competent and talented team members
Unified commitment
Positive team culture
Standards of excellence
External support and recognition
Effective leadership
Carl Larson & Frank LaFasto (1989)
Team development stages
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Forming
Storming
Norming
Performing
Adjourning
Forming
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Know each other
Define the task
Decide on information resources
Determine how to begin
Storming
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Emergence of conflicts
Sacrifice of personal needs
Resistance to leadership
Experience of negative emotions
Conflict
Norming
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Feelings of belonging
Increase of cohesiveness
Groupthink = too high cohesiveness!
Development of norms (informal rules)
Performing
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Members work synergistically
Time management very important!
Teamthink
Adjourning
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End of task
Unexpected member withdrawal
External constrains (organizational,
downsizing, etc.)
Perception of loss
Team members – The Process of Transition
This can
work
and be
good
Denial
At Last
something’s
going to
change !
What
impact will
this have?
How will it
affect me?
This is bigger
than I
thought!
Can I
cope ?
Change?
What Change?
withdraw
I’m off!!
… this
isn’t for
me!
I can see
myself
in the
future
Moving
Forward
Did I
really do
that
Who am
I?
Happiness
Anxiety
Gradual
Acceptance
Fear
Threat
Guilt
Depression
Hostility
© 2000-3 J M Fisher. Not to be sold or published. Sole risk with user. A free resource from www.businessballs.com.
I’ll make
this work
if it kills
me!!
Conflict in teams
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Sources:
 Different goals => Social trap
(Individual’s goal is above the team’s goal by all means)
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Types:
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Personality/behavioral style differences
Interest-based (differences in needs,
values, goals)
Task-oriented (disagreements about
procedures, tasks, theories)
Conflict resolution
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Avoiding – not solved
Accommodating – poor decision-making
Competing – escalation of conflict
Compromising – meeting in the middle,
least effective solution
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Collaborating – “win-win” optimal and
creative solutions