Reflection on chapter 10
Organizations today are finding it difficult to operate and manage individuals who are not in a team and prefer when employees are in a group as this increases the productivity of the members. According to research, an organization that can operate in teamwork is usually more productive as compared to an organization that is based on individual efforts. Through proper teamwork, organizations can effectively accomplish their tasks and thus achieving their roles hkujhand this proves to be very effective, especially in the current times where an organization’s environments are changing each day. This means that managers need to be well equipped to effectively manage their teams and thus remain productive.
Many organizations are embracing the use of virtual teams, especially for those that are expanding globally—one of the latest news articles in Forbes. Managing virtual teams is not easy at all, and this makes most of the virtual teams to lose focus and end up being non-productive. This particular article published in April 2020 tries to highlight some of the ways through which managers can ensure that the virtual teams are productive and thus achieving their goals and objectives. I find this article very related to chapter to which talks about understanding groups and managing groups and takes several concepts that are presented by the textbook. The article highlights that modern managers are made grave mistakes by treating teams, especially the virtual teams, as if it is business as usual, and this leads to reduced productivity of the units. One of the critical concepts that the textbook highlights, which is also reflected in the article are about the management of the team’s sizes and effects of team size on its success. According to the article, organizations should be smaller and more agile. The article highlights that when it comes to the management of large teams, it becomes less ideal. This works both the virtual teams as well as other teams. When teams are tremendous productivity of the team declines, when it comes to virtual teams, it would be very impractical to manage a large group, especially where face to face interaction is likely not to be ideal.
Another important concept that the chapter highlights are measures that need to be put in place in ensuring that teams are productive. According to the article, one of the ways through which organizations, primarily virtual groups, is providing to promote and exercise better communications at all times (Robbins, & Coulter, 2009). Communication is very vital for the success of organizations as it helps in ensuring that the teams are well aware of their duties what they are expected to do, and this ensures that procedures are well communicated and thus reducing any misunderstanding among the units or any confusion about roles. The article highlights that through proper communication, a group can create and maintain a better relationship, and this leads to increased team productivity.
Lastly, chapter 10 presents some of the contemporary issues that come with team management. Management of a team is not an easy task, especially when it comes to managing diverse teams. The article highlights that managers need to come out clear about the overall strategic direction of the group as well as the goals of the organization. Managers also need to be able to solve all teams’ disagreements that may arise from the team. Managers should ensure that the team members do not isolate themselves from the overall goals of the organization. Sticking to the overall goals and objectives of the organization is one way through which the teams will remain productive. Managers need to be well equipped when it comes to dealing with any issues that arise from the team, as this will ensure that they can settle all issues effectively and before the problems negatively affect the team.
References
Robbins, S. P., & Coulter, M. K. (2009). Management. Prentice-Hall.