Analyzing the performance of a work team (Essay Sample)

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Analyzing the performance of a work team
A work team can be defined as a group of employees working concurrently on a recurring task. Many big firms and organizations use teams to help operate and manage numerous aspects of their operations. The teams might consist of people from one culture or denomination who come together to work on issues of global or local nature. Sometimes, the teams consist of individuals from various parts of the globe who work concurrently to achieve one common goal. (Steers, Runde, Nardon 261).
To analyze the dynamics and challenges facing the project team a survey using team assessing questionnaires was explored. A scientific diagnostic measure known as the ‘Team Assessing Questionnaire’ and oral interview was employed in collecting data for the research in order to understand the team dynamics, nature of the team, roles of different members of the team, the nature of problems cropping up in the team, analysis and causes of the challenges faced and the general assessment of the team work environment. In this investigation, data was collected from different sources and combined to come up with the perfect and most conclusive questionnaire and interview questions.
The interpreted results got from combining the questionnaire and oral interview methods of data collection has shown that team dynamics are a vital part of any working team for they greatly affect and impact on;
* The reputation of the organization
* The performance of individual members in a team
* The profitability of the organization
* Retention rates for different team members
Teams come in various sizes, shapes and forms. The team of our study is a project team consisting of seven individuals. Each individual in the team has different roles to play with some team members playing more than one role. In summary there is
* A problem solver: - this member of the team helps identify and solves problems that seems to affect or slow down the team.
* The clarifier: - this individual helps the team by identifying in details and clarity the issues that have to be addressed in different situations.
* The chief whip: - this team member lets the group know when it has spent too much time on one particular phase of the project.
* The devil’s advocate: - this role is played by two of the team members. They help slow down the team when it’s moving too fast by asking ‘what if’ type of questions.
* Project manager: - he is the overall leader who oversees and manages the projects of the team.
Nature of problems and challenges facing the project team
Because of the diverse nature of team members, the project team is not immune to challenges. From the responses got from the use of questionnaires using ‘Team Development Measure Survey’, it is evident that the team is facing and encountering a lot of setbacks. Some of these challenges include poor communication, trust issues and confusion of roles and goals. The research suggested that one of the key setbacks the team faces is poor communication.
Analysis of the causes of poor communication.
The summarized research findings reached after conducting an oral interview and use of team assessing questionnaire has established that poor communication in the project team might have been caused by;
* Lack of proper effective methods and channels of communication.
Lack of proper channels for communicating has created uncertainty leading to conflict and stress among team members.
* Unclear roles and duties
Most of the team members don’t have a proper understanding of their roles and what is expected of them.
* Difference in view points and perception
When working on a project, difference in view points and perceptions have come up several times. This has led to slowing down of projects and it takes a longer time to complete the task given.
* Limited feedback
The management and some of the members of the team don’t provide day to day feedback about procedures and processes of different projects. This has led to disengagement of the members from the organization.
* Lack of clear and precise goals
The team lacks shared goals which have led to conflict in communication. It is a known fact that effective goals are the key basis for structuring team progress assessment, interaction and task assignment. Uncertain goals have made different individuals of the team to develop and work on their own ideas. This has caused disengagement of the team.
* Multicultural factors and diversity
Culture, diversity and gender issues have led to poor and effective communication due to misconceptions. As much as diversity plays a crucial role in the organization, it has also led to an increased presentation of a wide range of views and ideas. The preconceived notions by different team members about difference in others such as age, sex, race and homophobia has severally disrupted the work process and prevented the team from attaining its goals.
Problems that have arose due to poor communication in the team.
* Conflict in sharing of resources
Due to lack of effective communication among team members, sharing of some resources that are limited within the organization has drawn conflicts. A good example is office stationeries and equipment’s. Fo...