The stages of team development.

Discuss the stages of team development. Address the process, problems, and level of productivity of each.Discuss why verbal communication is important to project success and describe several ways of enhancing such communication.Discuss why it is important to be sensitive to the diverse composition of a project team, especially with regard to communication. List several best practices (do’s and don’ts) for electronic communication etiquette in a business environment.Describe a functional organization, an autonomous project organization, and a matrix organization. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each structure. Which one do you work in?

find the cost of your paper

Sample Answer

 

 

 

Stages of Team Development (Tuckman’s Stages):

Bruce Tuckman’s model outlines five stages of team development:

  1. Forming:
    • Process: Initial stage where team members are introduced, and the project is defined. Members are polite, but hesitant.
    • Problems: Uncertainty, anxiety, lack of clear roles and responsibilities.
    • Productivity: Low, as members focus on understanding the project and each other.
  2. Storming:
    • Process: Conflict arises as members assert their opinions and compete for roles. Power struggles and disagreements are common.
    • Problems: Conflict, resistance to leadership, frustration, and potential for team breakdown.
    • Productivity: Low to moderate, as energy i

Full Answer Section

 

 

 

 

  1. Norming:
    • Process: Team members begin to resolve conflicts, establish norms, and develop cohesion. Roles and responsibilities become clearer.
    • Problems: Potential for groupthink, resistance to change, and complacency.
    • Productivity: Moderate to high, as team members focus on achieving project goals.
  2. Performing:
    • Process: The team operates effectively and efficiently, with high levels of collaboration and trust. Members are motivated and focused on achieving project objectives.
    • Problems: Potential for burnout, complacency, and the need for new challenges.
    • Productivity: High, as the team reaches its peak performance.
  3. Adjourning:
    • Process: The project is completed, and the team disbands. Members may experience a sense of loss or accomplishment.
    • Problems: Potential for unresolved conflicts, difficulty transitioning to new projects, and loss of knowledge.
    • Productivity: Varies, depending on the team’s ability to complete remaining tasks and document lessons learned.

Importance of Verbal Communication and Enhancement:

Verbal communication is crucial for project success because it:

  • Allows for immediate feedback and clarification.
  • Facilitates building relationships and trust.
  • Enables effective collaboration and problem-solving.
  • Conveys complex information and emotions.

Enhancing verbal communication:

  • Active listening: Paying attention, asking clarifying questions, and providing feedback.
  • Clear and concise language: Avoiding jargon and technical terms when speaking to a diverse audience.
  • Regular meetings: Holding scheduled meetings to discuss progress, issues, and action items.
  • Open dialogue: Encouraging open and honest communication among team members.
  • Utilizing video conferencing: For remote teams, video conferencing can enhance nonverbal communication.

Sensitivity to Team Diversity:

Sensitivity to the diverse composition of a project team is vital because:

  • It promotes inclusivity and respect.
  • It enhances communication and collaboration.
  • It reduces the risk of misunderstandings and conflicts.
  • It leverages the unique perspectives and experiences of team members.

Electronic Communication Etiquette:

  • Do’s:
    • Use a clear and concise subject line.
    • Address recipients professionally.
    • Proofread messages for errors.
    • Use proper grammar and spelling.
    • Respond promptly to emails.
    • Use appropriate tone and language.
    • Consider the audience when sending messages.
    • Keep emails short and to the point.
  • Don’ts:
    • Use all caps or excessive exclamation points.
    • Send confidential information via unencrypted email.
    • Forward emails without permission.
    • Reply all to unnecessary emails.
    • Use email for emotionally charged conversations.
    • Send emails when angry.

Organizational Structures:

  1. Functional Organization:
    • Structure: Organized by functional areas (e.g., marketing, finance, engineering).
    • Advantages: Clear lines of authority, specialized expertise, and efficient resource utilization within departments.
    • Disadvantages: Poor communication between departments, slow response to project needs, and lack of project focus.
  2. Autonomous Project Organization:
    • Structure: Dedicated project teams with full authority and resources.
    • Advantages: Strong project focus, clear accountability, and rapid decision-making.
    • Disadvantages: Potential for duplication of effort, inefficient resource utilization across projects, and difficulty reintegrating team members after project completion.
  3. Matrix Organization:
    • Structure: Combines functional and project structures, with team members reporting to both functional and project managers.
    • Advantages: Improved communication between functional areas, efficient resource utilization, and strong project focus.
    • Disadvantages: Potential for conflict between functional and project managers, complex reporting relationships, and increased overhead.

This question has been answered.

Get Answer