Chapter 2 – Building Effective Teams: Designing Tasks, Selecting People, and Managing Relationships

QUESTION

Week 2 Worksheet Team Assembly & Design Instructions: Use this worksheet to take thorough notes as you read the book chapter and go through the rest of this week’s content. Fill in the chapter outline with notes on each corresponding book section. Additionally, address the Application Questions at the bottom. The Application Questions are presented in the order in which you will encounter their answers in the book. You are encouraged to review them before you begin reading, and respond to them as you go. Please type your response directly below the question. You may bullet your responses. In addition to section notes, it will benefit you to include key term definitions. You can use direct quotes from your book, however, please use quotations to indicate which is your own summary of the content vs. the exact words from the book. Reminder: Each chapter worksheet will be graded for completion (not accuracy), as it is up to you the effort that you put forth. The greater the effort you put forth throughout your readings, the easier the exam will be for you. Chapter worksheets are worth 20 points each. Chapter 2 Overview In this chapter, you will think about how to build teams in terms of designing the task, selecting the people, and then managing their relationships. This Is a foundational chapter as it describes the importance of establishing clear team goals to unify the members so that they work towards a shared purpose. Additionally, you will learn about things to look out for when composing the team including impact of the number of members in a team, attributes of team members, role of team members, and diversity. Next, you will read about how work gets done in teams (i.e., team processes). This will be followed by the actual structure or linkages within teams and norms that are developed to assist the team in functioning. This week’s content will conclude with a discussion on team coaching. Chapter Notes: 1. What is meant by team design a. Three key aspects 2. Why define team goals? a. Common errors b. How should goals be specified? c. Types of goal orientations i. Performance vs. learning il. Promotion vs. prevention d. Goal fit e. Pre-planning vs. online planning f. Timelines and temporal pressures Capacity vs. capability issues

ANSWER

Chapter 2 – Building Effective Teams: Designing Tasks, Selecting People, and Managing Relationships

Chapter 2 Overview: Chapter 2 delves into the essential aspects of building effective teams, focusing on team design, goal setting, and the importance of clear objectives. It also explores the impact of team composition, member attributes, roles, diversity, team processes, structural linkages, norms, and the role of team coaching.

Chapter Notes

What is meant by team design

Team design refers to the intentional structuring of teams to achieve specific objectives efficiently and effectively.

Three key aspects of team design include task design, people selection, and relationship management. These elements collectively contribute to team success.

Why define team goals

Defining team goals is crucial because it unifies team members toward a shared purpose, guiding their efforts and aligning their work.

Common errors in goal setting include vague or ambiguous goals that lack clarity, specificity, or measurability.

Goals should be specified to provide clear direction, measurable outcomes, and a timeline for achievement.

Different types of goal orientations are discussed, such as performance vs. learning goals and promotion vs. prevention goals.

Goal fit is important, ensuring that goals are challenging but achievable.

Pre-planning and online planning strategies are explored, emphasizing the importance of both forward-thinking and adapting to changing circumstances.

Timelines and temporal pressures can impact team performance, requiring consideration and effective management.

Capacity vs. capability issues highlight the balance between team members’ skills and the resources required to achieve goals.

Key Terms

Team design: Structuring teams intentionally to achieve specific objectives.

Goal setting: Defining clear objectives to unify team members and guide their efforts.

Performance goals: Goals focused on achieving specific outcomes or results.

Learning goals: Goals aimed at acquiring new knowledge, skills, or experiences.

Promotion goals: Goals centered on achieving positive outcomes.

Prevention goals: Goals focused on avoiding negative outcomes.

Goal fit: Ensuring goals are challenging yet achievable.

Pre-planning: Strategic goal setting before task execution.

Online planning: Adapting goals in real-time based on evolving circumstances.

Temporal pressures: Time-related constraints affecting goal attainment.

Capacity vs. capability: Balancing team members’ skills with the resources needed to achieve goals.

Application Questions

Why is it important for teams to have clear and specific goals? How can vague or ambiguous goals hinder team performance?

Explain the concept of goal fit in the context of team goal setting. Why is it essential for team success?

How do performance goals differ from learning goals, and what are their respective advantages in a team setting?

Discuss the impact of temporal pressures on team goal achievement and the strategies that can help manage such pressures effectively.

In your opinion, which aspect of team design (task design, people selection, or relationship management) plays the most significant role in team success, and why?