Assignment: Business-Team Development
In this assessment, you will examine the positive and negative aspects of group/team development. Using critical thinking skills you'll be writing a paper on what managers can do to encourage a healthy team environment. You'll have an opportunity to investigate how the relationship among team members shape employee behavior and gain insight into how managers influence the direction of team cohesion. Completion of this assignment will strengthen your understanding of empowerment and communications.
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 a balance between the needs of the team and the needs of the individuals who make up the team.
Watch the following youtube video: "Abilene Paradox, Communication Training, Organization Behaviors, Accountability"
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 individuals 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.
Next, write a 3 to 4-page paper on the positive and negative aspects of teamwork. Your paper should address the following questions.
1. What is teamwork and how is it different from group work?
2. What are three positive reasons why a manager would prefer working with teams?
3. What are three 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 ways a manager might strengthen team member commitment.
6. Name one local, national, or global organization that you feel represents success through teamwork.
Lessons you acquired from the video should be reflected in your paper. This is a critical thinking assignment. Your research should not be limited to your course textbook. You are encouraged to review suggested reading material found on the Supplemental Resources page.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also Include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.