Working in Groups Can Be a Very

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 group. 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 aspect of any group. Group members must be cognizant of the varying cultural dynamics prevalent within the organization. Aspects such as collectivism, individualism, power distance, and authority orientation, all affect communication within a group setting. Furthermore, the manner in which the overall communication occurs is also important. Whether it's marketing material, a personal conversation, or a group meeting, the manner in which the communication occurs is a fundamental part of its effectiveness. Within a group setting, leaders must allow individuals to view their opinions no matter how controversial they may be. Key elements that led to the overall group success were an open minded team, willing to change their perception of contentious or controversial issues. In addition, the team was engaged and had a vested interest in the outcome of the team decision. The team also wanted to collaborate with multiple departments to ensure that the solution was good for the organization as a whole, as oppose to a select few individuals. Finally, the team had a framework in which to ensure success. They had specific parameter in which success of failure would be judged against (Hofstede, 2001).

Poor Group Experiences