Showing papers in "Team Performance Management in 2003"

Cognitive and affective dimensions of trust in developing team performance

Abstract: In this study, the importance of a climate of trust in promoting teamwork is presented, and the findings of an empirical study of 50 work‐based teams are discussed. According to these findings, teams which show high levels of trust (both cognitive and affective dimensions of trust) perform better. As a result of these findings, it is strongly recommended that trust should be a primary value of the organisational culture, that behaviour which promotes trust and protection should be encouraged in teamwork, and that trustworthy behaviour should be treated as a measurement of performance for the purposes of employee appraisal.

Examining the effects of internal and external team learning on team performance

Abstract: The effectiveness of using team learning to improve team performance has been well documented in the literature, and this notion makes intuitive sense. However, little empirical research has been dedicated to the relationship between team learning and team performance, probably owing to the lack of a widely acceptable instrument for assessing team learning. In this study, a psychometric (validity and reliability) examination of Edmondson’s Team Learning Survey (TLS) is undertaken. This instrument was then used to examine the effects of internal and external team learning on team performance. Implications and limitations of the study findings are discussed.

Team member acquisition of team knowledge, skills, and abilities

Abstract: Teams have become increasingly popular in firms of all sizes and industries. Managers believe that teams often provide better outcomes than individuals. Firms can hire such talent or develop it. This study explored whether team training, team experience, mentoring, participation in team sports, and collectivism/individualism orientations were correlated with team knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) in problem solving, communication, conflict resolution, goal setting and planning. The most consistent finding was that those with mentors were more likely to be high on all team KSAs. Employees whose teams had been together longer and those in large firms were more likely to report strong team skills. Those with training in conflict resolution and team skills reported higher conflict resolution, goal setting, and planning skills. Implications of these findings for managers are provided.

The tangibles and intangibles of organisational performance

Abstract: Explores the theoretical linkage between organisational learning and organisational performance by analysing the different systems of performance management. Aside from focusing on the traditional financial aspects of performance, deals with the much‐hyped qualitative nature of non‐financial performance measures. Discusses in conjunction with organisational learning outcomes which can be seen to be operating at two levels: formal and informal. Arguably, the former involves the bottom‐line tangible indicators while the latter, the intangible indicators. Further suggests alternative views of performance measures by examining the cognitive and behavioural development of individuals. This, to a large extent, deals with intellectual capital and knowledge acquisition, and how they can be translated into competence which will in turn benefit the organisation financially.

We Think We Can, We Think We Can: The impact of Thinking Patterns and Self-Efficacy on Work Team Sustainability

Abstract: In terms of the body of knowledge examining work teams, several books and articles have attempted to address the underlying causes of why work teams fail. However, a scarcity of writings has focused on the issue of work team sustainability. The dictionary defines “sustain” as “to prevent from falling, collapsing, or giving way,” and “to endure.” This definition gives rise to the following question: “What are the factors that contribute to those work teams that ‘endure’ and that do not ‘fall, collapse, or give way’ during challenging organizational experiences?” In this paper, we will take an initial step toward answering this question by presenting a cognitive model of work team sustainability based upon established cognitive principles of individual‐level effort and performance sustainability. This model is designed to provide some practical insights into the long‐term team performance sustainability issue while also serving as a possible foundation for future research efforts.

Blending “we/me” in performance management

Abstract: In a team‐based organization, the performance not only of the teams as a whole but also of their individual members needs to be managed and managed very well if tall performance (consistently competent, ethical, and motivated behavior that always produces the best results) is to be reached and sustained. In this article, four principles are first overviewed that underlie a new model of performance management designed by the author. The principles are those of tall performance, accountability, responsible empowerment, and performance management. An overview of the new model is then given. Among the model’s salient features are the way it preserves the “we” without sacrificing the “me”, a non‐traditional way to do performance appraisals, and accountability not only for results but also for behaviors, including ethical conduct.

We think we can, we think we can, we think we can: the impact of thinking patterns and self‐efficacy on work team sustainability

Abstract: In terms of the body of knowledge examining work teams, several books and articles have attempted to address the underlying causes of why work teams fail However, a scarcity of writings has focused on the issue of work team sustainability The dictionary defines “sustain” as “to prevent from falling, collapsing, or giving way,” and “to endure” This definition gives rise to the following question: “What are the factors that contribute to those work teams that ‘endure’ and that do not ‘fall, collapse, or give way’ during challenging organizational experiences?” In this paper, we will take an initial step toward answering this question by presenting a cognitive model of work team sustainability based upon established cognitive principles of individual‐level effort and performance sustainability This model is designed to provide some practical insights into the long‐term team performance sustainability issue while also serving as a possible foundation for future research efforts

Planning to use work teams effectively

Abstract: Few studies have definitively established a clear connection between teaming and higher performance, and even fewer have quantitatively assessed the impact of teaming on corporate performance. If using work teams is not a guarantee of greater effectiveness, then the challenge becomes one of creating an environment that increases the likelihood that teams will be successful. This article presents a work team planning guide that identifies the critical issues and topics that organizations should consider when planning to use work teams effectively. Primary research, training and development experience, and an integration of team‐based literature all contribute to the ideas presented here.

The effect of team composition and group role definition on ERP acquisition decisions

Abstract: Discusses the acquisition team formation, the interdisciplinary nature of the teams and the roles of the steering committee, MIS, purchasing and users for an ERP solution. The goal of the paper in presenting these is to make you aware that the composition of the acquisition teams is a critical factor that affects the acquisition process.

The impact of cultural diversity on work team performance: a South‐African perspective

Abstract: In a culturally diverse environment, such as that found in South Africa it is imperative that one understands the dynamic elements that make us all different. As these differences influence the way individuals behave, it will influence their interaction in the workplace. The aim of this article is to reflect on the diversity issues as captured in a study conducted on operational level work teams in the security industry. One should expect to find substantial diversity problems where individuals, who traditionally do not have a history of mixing, are now working together to achieve organizational goals.

Groupware case studies: trust, commitment and the free expression of ideas

Abstract: The use of teams and groups in the workplace continues to grow and trust and commitment to decisions remain desirable characteristics for team members. Group Support Software (GSS) or groupware software has been developed to automate the basic activities of group meetings and thus, help groups. This study combines the two sets of interests; specifically, it looks at the changes in trust and commitment to decisions exhibited by five teams using groupware. The data set was collected from five real‐world (federal, state and commercial) groups as they undertook their actual (Business Process Re‐engineering (BPR) and Joint Application Development (JAD)) projects using groupware. Using a case‐based research methodology, the data set was collected over a series of 41 meetings and organized around group characteristics such as commitment, trust, openness to express ideas, etc. The analysis hints at positive changes in desirable group characteristics over time when using GSS or groupware. However, the groupware characteristic of “more open expression of ideas” does not seem to be the source of the changes. Finally, based upon these findings, the authors suggest that GSS can impact the social components of a group as well as the production components but the cause of the impact resides deeper than a simple idea of providing an environment for more open expression of ideas.

Organizational citizenship: a case study of MedLink Ltd

Abstract: A case study analysis was conducted on a Canadian company, to investigate the impact of selected independent variables on productivity, job satisfaction and organizational citizenship. The study tested the hypothesis that there was a decrease in these variables among employees because of ineffective project management resulting in unmet deadlines, incomplete end results, inequitable allocation of resources and inequitable levels of member participation to the accomplishment of projects. Concludes there appears to be a direct relationship between the factors of communication, leadership, power and politics, organizational structure and the decrease in productivity in terms of meeting project timelines and efficient product development.

Palliative care teams and individual behaviours

Abstract: This paper is the second in a series that will examine the management of innovation by cross‐functional, multidisciplinary patient care teams in palliative care. Two further outcomes of this research are reported here. The first is that within palliative care a number of distinct individual behaviours are identified that act as foundations for the successful development and application of innovative practices by multidisciplinary teams. The second is that interviews with multidisciplinary palliative care teams in case studies in Australia confirm the existence and use of these behaviours. Individual behaviours within these teams are found to fall into two groups: those used by palliative care professionals when working with patients and patient‐based carers; and those used by professionals when dealing with each other away from patients. The purpose of both groups is to generate useful valid information, knowledge and learning that can be transferred across boundaries regardless of boundary type or location.

Consulting for virtual excellence: virtual teamwork as a task for consultants

Abstract: This paper explores how consulting can contribute to the success of virtual teamwork. Based on an introduction to the concept of virtual teams, the potential of virtual teamwork for consultants and clients is outlined. Central questions are: “For which reasons do virtual teams deserve additional attention by business leaders?” and “What kind of services can be offered by consultants that cannot be performed by the client organisation itself?”. The paper finishes with a discussion of the qualifications and resources consultants should possess if they wish to consult on virtual teamwork, highlighting the broad range of requirements and the need to accumulate extensive experience.

Team leaders, manufacturing strategies and competitive performances

Abstract: Competitive performances of manufacturing firms are affected by the strategies they selected. The implementations of strategies, as usually assumed, rely on the effectiveness of work teams. The performances of teams, to a large degree, are directed by team leaders. Therefore, the compatibility between competitive performances, manufacturing strategies, and the functions of team leaders should be explored. Based on the statistical findings obtained from other literature as well as an analysis of an international survey of manufacturing strategies. It is proposed that the compatibility is basically the relationship between the knowledge seeking behavior of team leaders and the knowledge required for improving competitive performances. We also discovered that it is worth further investigating two particular types of team leaders, i.e. shaper and company builder. Their characteristics may provide a basis to expand our understandings of team leaders’ performances and the competence‐based organizations of today.

Flexible problem solving in construction projects on the National Museum of Australia project

Abstract: In responding to unanticipated challenges during the course of a project, lessons from crisis management research can be valuable. Effective project management requires both a proactive and reactive strategy in dealing with unanticipated and challenging events. A key element of success is developing a learning culture, which permits flexibility within a systematic problem‐solving approach. We indicate how this can be achieved using a crisis management model and use data gathered from the National Museum of Australia project to demonstrate the potential benefits of a learning which encourages solution‐building by teams.

Linking team competences to organisational capacity

Abstract: Palliative care is a complex environment in which teams of health care professionals are constantly challenged to match the configuration of care delivery to suit the dynamics of the whole of a patient’s bio‐medical, social and spiritual situations as they change during the end of life process. In such an environment these teams need to engage in ongoing interaction between different professional disciplines, incremental improvement in care delivery, learning and radical innovation. This is aimed at combining operational effectiveness and strategic flexibility, exploitation and exploration in a way that ensures the best possible end of life experience for the patient. This paper examines previous research on the management competences and the organisational capabilities necessary for continuous innovation, and analyses evidence emerging from a study of palliative care. Work on the relationships between innovation capacities, organisational capabilities and team‐based competence is drawn together. Evidence is presented from research into the management of innovation in palliative care.

The dynamic team role behavior – the approaches of investigation

Abstract: Team performances are usually affected by the combination of team members. When the roles of each of the team members are supplementing the functions of one another, a balanced team is formed. In a fast‐moving business environment, it is not uncommon to see that certain key team members may not be present in the team at all times. The remaining team members are required to play their roles dynamically in order to supplant the roles and the functions of the missing members. However, it is not very clear how the role adjustment process is managed. Understanding the role modification phenomenon may enable the management to regulate the composition of their work teams more effectively. Specifically, this paper will discuss two different approaches to studying this dynamic team role behavior.

The structural factors that affect classroom team performance

Abstract: This study was an attempt to identify, through structural equation modeling, the factors that may be involved in the performance of classroom teams. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to study Katzenbach and Smith’s model of “high performing teams”. While it is often difficult for classroom leaders – professors, instructors, etc. – to intervene on an ongoing basis in the process and interpersonal dimensions of classroom or project teams, it may be possible for them to make structural or programmatic interventions that positively affect all teams in their classes. This study attempted to identify those structural factors using Katzenbach and Smith’s model as a basis. Four such factors were identified. The implications of these factors on classroom leaders’ methods are discussed. The study, however, leaves several questions unanswered. These are described and the implications for further research are enumerated.

A reverse side of the team medal

Abstract: Publications in the managerial press tend to stress the positive sides of teamworking. Teamworking is heralded at the neglect of possible downsides such as the propensity to withhold effort. This is, however, studied in at least two strands of academic work: social psychology and economic organization theories. From these literatures the paper draws attention to the potential downsides of teamworking. However, various options for overcoming these problems have been identified in the same literatures. Thus, the body of our paper explicitly concentrates on possible solutions for managers to remedy the potential negative effects of teamworking.

The typology of self‐managed teams based upon team climate: examining stability and change in typologies

Abstract: Several studies have reported on psychometric and factor‐analytic work related to the team climate inventory (TCI), including its four scales and 13 subscales. This exploratory study reports on the first research to examine team typologies based on team climate scores. The TCI was administered twice to 84 and 63 self‐managed teams of management undergraduates completing graded term projects. Following each TCI administration, a two‐stage clustering procedure (Ward’s and K‐means) was used to determine the number and team composition of clusters. Clusters were then plotted on the multidimensional space (INDSCAL) and a discriminant analysis performed to determine how well cluster membership was predicted using scores from the 13 TCI subscales. At the first TCI administration, three weeks into the term projects, the study obtained three team clusters on a two‐dimensional space. Near the end of the term projects, the study found two team clusters on a two‐dimensional space. Implications are presented for team building, interventions to improve team climate and management training.

Indelible impressions of an authentic coach

Abstract: The article is about a coaching/mentoring style that was developed by an entrepreneur LaFay Davenport. Ms Davenport’s coaching strategy derived from the name of her business – Simply Raw Hair Designs. The name itself implies authenticity, wholesomeness. Ms Davenport has coached, mentored and led staff for over a quarter of a century using a coaching model called “sRAW” by the author. The appeal of this model is its simplicity and universal application. Many apprentices trained under her leadership have become successful entrepreneurs themselves. Repeat business of long‐time clients benchmarks her sustained success.