Working in groups can be a very contentious issue given the underlying circumstances prevailing at a particular firm. Groups offer much strength when activities are conducted in a manner that allows for a collaboration and innovation. Groups often provide varying perspective and corresponding's solutions to problems. Groups also help increase employee buy in for very contentious and often difficult corporate initiatives. Furthermore, group activities help facilitate a mutual exchange of ideas that otherwise may not have been though of through individual assignments. However, as will be indicated in this document, groups can also pose significant threats to the efficient operations of a business entity. For one, groups could be cumbersome and inexperienced. They also may create conflict rather than harmony within the work environment. In addition, cultural aspects must be considered when group activities are formulated. These aspects become even more profound in the context of a global company with operations in very distinct areas of the world.
Think of a Time You Have Been Part of a Group Process and it has Gone Well.
A group success hinges primarily on the individual components that comprise the group. In many of the more successful groups that I have been apart of, they each had similar characteristics. First, each member was equally vested in the outcome of the...
This can occur in varying circumstances. For example, group members could each want to achieve an "A" on a student project. Conversely, executives may want to equally obtain a valuable customer relationship. In each circumstance, each member had a vested interest in the overall outcome of the group. In addition, each member had unique skills and abilities that were maximized through the use of the group. These "synergies" were achieved through a collaborative process with each group member contributing in proportion to their skills and abilities. For instance, one member may be skilled a created engaging power point presentations. Another member may be a skilled researcher, while yet another may be a very adept presenter. In many of the successful groups I have been apart of, each member had various strengths relative to the other members of the group. As a unit, the group gave tasks to members due primarily to their strengths and competencies. Finally, in regards to successful group activities, the underlying aspect has often been cultural sensitivity.
Key Elements of Group Success
In a more global workforce, culture has a large impact on the contribution an individual has within the group. Being aware of these aspects and encouraging conflicting dialogue is often the underlying factor that determines group success. Communication is an integral…
