Business The Success and Failures of A Team Research Paper

Business The Success and Failures of A Team Research Paper

Why Do Some Teams Succeed and Others Fail? Why and how does conflict management impact a team's success or failure?

Midterm Assignment Details Length: 7 - 8 pages (does not include a title page, abstract, or reference page) – double spaced – 12 font – APA style (Note: If your paper is longer, that is fine as I like to read what you are learning.) Weight: 15 points out of a possible 100 points for the course

Assignment Objectives

Both successful and unsuccessful teams are the products of many factors, not the least of which are leadership, organizational culture, communications, diversity, etc. When teams succeed, these factors most often work synergistically. Conversely, when they fail, these factors either work independently of each other, or they are not effectively used. The highly regarded philosopher George Santayana once said, “Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” This, in part, explains why we study group dynamics and teamwork – to understand how successful teams operate and what we can do to avoid failure. History is replete with examples of successful and unsuccessful teams. If we know anything about great leaders, it’s that they use history to their advantage. This course examines the principles of building and leading highly effective teams by reviewing/reinforcing proven leadership concepts and analyzing the various interrelated practices underlying group dynamics. This assignment focuses on your understanding of how and why teams succeed, the kinds of leadership they require, with an emphasis on conflict resolution. You will work on understanding, analyzing, and implementing choices related to team-related situations. In doing this, you are expected to understand the theoretical foundations of group dynamics as they apply to lead teams. Using lecture materials, readings, personal research, and the various discussions you have had with classmates and the instructor, you will advance your understanding of teamwork and how to lead successful teams.

• Students will connect personal experiences with course material learned to date, citing course readings, lectures, and

• Students will analyze their thoughts about team leadership by reflecting on the content and activities learned during the first half of the course.

• Students will recognize obstacles and strengths to their own development as team leaders and identify solutions or plans to overcome those obstacles or develop them. This week you read Chapter 7 on Managing Conflict. Complete the Survey on Conflict Management Styles (pages 148 - 149). After reviewing your avoidance, accommodation, confrontation, compromise, and collaboration scores, check the assignment's objectives above one more time and then respond to the following prompts.

1. Is it more difficult dealing with conflict in a virtual team or face-to-face team? Why?

2. What is your preferred conflict resolution style?

3. Have you had to implement this style within your team yet?

 4. How do you deal with team members who use a different conflict resolution style than your preferred style?

5. How could you change your behavioral response within the team to become even more collaborative when faced with conflict?

6. As you reflect on the content learned during the first half of the course, what readings/videos resonate with you and why?

7. Have you identified obstacles and strengths to your own development as a team leader? Have you identified any solutions or plans to overcome those obstacles or develop them? Grading Criteria (see grading rubrics attached below):

1.Understand (Rigor): Use of conceptual frameworks for self-awareness and reflection in team leadership;

2.Analyze (Depth & critical thinking): Critical evaluation of researched information, effective assimilation of research and course material, and clear conclusions that are supported by the available information;

3. Implement (Relevance and growth-based): Examine the reasons for the team’s success or failure, emphasizing what you would do as the team leader. Identify clear and detailed recommendations and courses of action;

4. Presentation: Clarity of writing. Reliance on NEU rubrics in English