Team Dynamics and Team Process

Abstract

Team Dynamics are the invisible forces that function in a team among different people or groups. How a team behaves, reacts, or performs can be strongly influenced by team dynamics, and the impacts of team dynamics are often very complex. The components of team dynamics include group roles, positive norms, appropriate size, clear objectives, status congruence and cohesiveness. The association between team performance and cohesion appears an apparent one. Team performance increases with a rise in levels of cohesion. The similar is true for the outcome: as there is an improvement in team performance, the cohesion levels should keep on increasing. This paper discusses the group roles, motivational approaches that work best for the groups and competitive advantage of diverse groups over the homogenous ones.

Table of Contents

Introduction4

Body: Discussion and Analysis5

Roles5

Motivation6

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs6

Diversity6

Conclusion8

Team Dynamics and Team Process

Introduction

Groups of two or more people form a team, which influence and interact with each other. In a team, each and every person is mutually held responsible for attaining common goals. As a social entity, people in a team are perceived. Thus a team can be defined as a small number of people with complementary skills who are dedicated to a mutual purpose and approach and performance goals, for which they embrace themselves equally liable. Teams can of different types: they can be self managed, task forces/ problem solving team, cross functional teams - temporary teams and virtual teams. Team building is rooted in the idea that people who exhibit loyalty and trust and share these attributes with his colleagues and managers will turn out to be better teammates, communicators, and individuals. Employees are often trained to collaborate regardless of culture, gender, or educational boundaries toward a common goal.

One of the components of team dynamics is cohesiveness. Group cohesiveness is defined as the attractiveness and intimacy possessed by group members for the group and for themselves. The factors that influence cohesiveness include objectives, homogeneity, size, participation, success and competition. Teams, that are cohesive, are more result oriented. Leon Festinger and colleagues coined the term group cohesiveness (or cohesion) to relate to the social adhesive that connects group members together. Cohesive teams are likely to have a greater level of success at attaining their goals with higher job satisfaction. Work is less missed by cohesive team members and they are more trusting have less hostility and tension. The causes of team cohesiveness can be member similarity and interaction, external member challenges, team size and success, somewhat difficult entry within the group. Another component of team dynamics is status i.e. the apparent standing of one member in relation to other group members. Group status relies on the objectives, norms, and cohesiveness of groups. High-status members have a major effect on the performance of group. Another component of group dynamics is roles that are shared prospects of how the requirements of their position will be fulfilled by group members. All teams are distinctive with dynamics that change with ...