November 7, 2011
Addressing Challenges of Groups and Teams
The use of teams in the workplace is continuing to grow because teams work more efficiently and are effective (Robbins & Judge, 2011). However with teams challenges and benefits present with group and team communication, collaboration, and conflict can arise. The Enron Corporation failed to have an effective plan to promote communication, collaboration, and address conflict. The following will review a plan that outlines the benefits and challenges of groups and team through the promotion of communication, collaboration, and address conflict. Creating an Effective Team Three elements of an effective team are categorized as contextual, composition, and process (Robbins & Judge, 2011). The effectiveness of the team is dependent on the three elements collectively working together to form the team effectiveness.
Contextual Factors The contextual factors determine the success of the team. The factors considered contextual are adequate resources, leadership and structure, climate of trust, and performance evaluation and reward system (Robbins & Judge, 2011). The adequate resources for a team begin with proper training about team development and how to work within a team. The team is supported by the organization and has the proper assistance to complete the tasks. The training plan for Enron begins with support from the organization. The team is supported by the executive leadership throughout the corporation. The failure of Enron resulted from the lack of executive leadership to support the ethical business practices within the organization. Therefore, an effective training plan with the support of the executive leadership is the key to success of ethical business practices throughout the organization. Leadership within a team is the key to the success of the team. Enron Corporation executive leadership
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