Understanding Team Design Characteristics

You have previously learned about interdependent teams, but this resource explores those ideas further. The text also examines self-managed teams and pooled interdependence. You will learn about team roles and how they are based on the five primary task roles and the five primary social roles. Additionally, some roles connect the team to the greater organization, which are boundary-spanning roles.

Understanding Team Design Characteristics

Learning Objectives

  1.     Understand the difference between groups and teams.
  2.     Understand the factors leading to the rise in the use of teams.
  3.     Understand how tasks and roles affect teams.
  4.     Identify different types of teams.
  5.     Identify team design considerations.

Effective teams give companies a significant competitive advantage. In a high-functioning team, the sum is truly greater than the parts. Team members not only benefit from each other's diverse experiences and perspectives but also stimulate each other's creativity. Plus, for many people, working in a team can be more fun than working alone.

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