Based on the definitions provided above, teams should be used when there is interdependence between tasks, goals and rewards. The degree and type of task interdependence varies between work situations. J.D. Thompson (1967) identified three forms of task interdependence:
• Pooled
• Sequential
• Reciprocal
Under pooled interdependence, each member makes a contribution to output without the need for direct interaction among members. Typically, members have similar roles, and each individual member completes the whole task. Performance is the sum of individual performances (Saavedra, Early & Van Dyne 1993, p. 62). This means that group members work separately but rely on some important shared resources. In that regard, when an entity is characterised by pooled interdependence it cannot be identified as a team.
Examples include several doctors working in partnership in a general medical practice or several salespeople working in a furniture store. The doctors share some resources, such as clerical support and some medical equipment. The furniture salespeople share the stock of furniture in the store and the computer record system for example. The performance of each group is the total of the work done by individuals.
Under sequential interdependence one team member must act before another can act. For this type of task interdependence, team members have different roles and perform different parts of the task in a prescribed order. Team performance requires that each step be performed successfully and in the correct order.