In general, do people generate more better ideas, or make better decisions, when they work independently, or when they collaborate and work as groups? Why or why not? What are the relevant factors?

In general, do people generate more better ideas, or make better decisions, when they work independently, or when they collaborate and work as groups? Why or why not? What are the relevant factors?

Introduction

As Stephen Covey puts it, “Interdependent people combine their own efforts with the efforts of others to achieve their greatest success.” This signifies the phenomenon that when likeminded people belonging to the same educational background and expertise come together on one platform, they are able to generate better ideas which may contribute to the success of any plan or process. When the individual members of the team are committed to their work, success is guaranteed and attainment of goals becomes an easier task. The following paper discusses the notion that people in groups and teams generate more ideas and make better decisions when they work in collaboration.

Discussion

Teams have proven to be one of the leading stones behind the success of any organization/plan/program. The members of the team think different to each other. This helps in generating more and fresher ideas as more creativity is inside the pot, giving better and fresh fruits. Faced with complex working environment and increasing number of challenges, organizations today stay critical to stay on top and look for ideas to bring about innovations (Kozlowski, 2007). Here, team building and managing the team properly becomes an important role player.

Looking at the importance of teams and how they help in better idea generation and decision-making, organizations today spend resources on making sure that better teams are developed and they are managed properly (Kozlowski, 2007). The purpose behind is to bring individuals together as a unit who are required to accomplish similar goals. However, team management is followed by various challenges, but advantages are many as compared to disadvantages. When employees work in teams, they collaborate and brainstorm ideas. This helps in generating creative ideas for the organization (Kozlowski, 2007). Today, many companies facilitate the development of diverse work groups as this helps in gathering distinct ideas where one is able to draw something from the abilities of other group member. This keeps the team member motivated and helps in achievement of goals easily as the morale is kept boosted at all times for achieving greater success (Kozlowski, 2007).

When there are advantages of teams as it helps in better idea generation, it is followed by various challenges. One of which are the conflicts arising because of differences in perceptions. There is a possibility that conflicts may arise and the team members do not agree with the ideas of other team members. This gives birth to arguments and hostile behavior affecting productivity and creativity of the work group (Sanborn & Gregory, 2007). This may hinder team functioning. This is usually followed by proper training and removing the conflicts. It has also been noticed that ...