Employee Teams
An employee contributions technique whereby:
- Work functions are structured for groups rather than for individuals
- Team members are given discretion in matters traditionally considered management prerogatives, such as process improvements, product or service development, and individual work assignments.
Benefits of Employee Teams
- Increased integration of individual skills
- Better performance (quality and quantity) solutions to unique and complex problems
- Reduced delivery time
- Reduced turnover and absenteeism
- Accomplishments among team members
Teamwork and Synergy
- Synergy
a) Occurs when the interaction and outcome of team members is greater than the sum of their individual efforts.
b) Synergistic team member behavior characteristics:
- Is supporting and inclusive
- Listens and clarifies
- Disagrees but remains nonjudgmental
- Engages in consensus building
- Is accepting of others
- Is focused on quality and continuous improvement
Forms of Employee Teams
- Cross-Functional Teams
- Project Teams
- Self-Directed Teams
- Task Force Teams
- Process-Improvement Teams
- Virtual Teams
Forms of Employee Teams
a. Cross-Functional Team
- A group staffed with a mix of specialists (e.g., marketing, production, engineering) and formed to accomplish a specific objective.
+Cross-functional teams are based on assigned rather than voluntary membership.
b. Project Team
- A group formed specifically to design a new product or service. Members are assigned by management on the basis of their ability to contribute to success.
+ The group normally disbands after task completion.
c. Self-Directed Team
- Groups of highly trained individuals performing a set of interdependent job tasks within a natural work unit.
+ Team members use consensus decision making to perform work duties, solve problems, or deal with internal or external customers.
d. Task Force Team
- A task force is formed by management to immediately resolve a major problem.
+The group is responsible for developing a long-term plan for problem resolution that may include a charge for implementing the solution proposed.
e. Process-Improvement Team
- A group of experienced people from different departments or functions and charged with improving quality, decreasing waste, or enhancing productivity in processes that affect all departments or functions involved. Team members are normally appointed by management.
f. Virtual Team
- A group with widely dispersed members linked together through computer and telecommunications technology.
Characteristics of Successful Teams
1. Commitment to shared goals and objectives
2. Motivated and energetic team members
3. Open and honest communication
4. Shared leadership
5. Clear role assignments
6. Climate of cooperation, collaboration, trust, and accountability
7. Recognition of conflict and its positive resolution
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