The Disadvantages of Teams in a Organization
When an organization creates teams, division within the organization can occur. Sometimes this division can result in competitiveness that improves productivity. However, before implementing teams in an organization, it should consider the disadvantages associated with teams.
Delays
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Organizations need to compensate for the inevitable delays that result from creating new teams. When the team generates new ideas, the team will have to discuss them. This generally requires meetings. Organizations that implement teams need to set up policies to make these meetings more effective. The meeting should always have a purpose and a goal. This allows meetings to proceed more efficiently and not waste the time of the organization or the team members. Team meetings can often become social gatherings if not properly managed, and this can result in delays for the organization.
Conflict
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When you put a group of people together, conflict is a common result. The organization must recognize the different types of conflict that exist within teams and deal with these conflicts immediately. Cognitive conflict results from problems related to differences of opinion. Cognitive conflict frequently occurs because the experiences that each team member brings to the table produce different views about different subjects. Affective conflict, on the other hand, results from personal differences between the team members. This type of conflict has a more destructive effect on the team, resulting in arguments, hostility and resentment.
Decision Process
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In organizations that use single-person decision-making, decisions can be made quickly. However, once the organization implements teams, it needs input from several people. This can prolong the decision-making process and complicate making even the simplest decisions. The organization should train teams and their leaders to make timely decisions. In addition, when making decisions, consensus can become part of the team’s culture. This can stifle creativity and innovation within the organization.
Productivity
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When implementing teams, organizations may experience diminished productivity. A period of adjustment may occur after forming new teams. This adjustment may require training and can slow down productivity within the organization. Additionally, members of a team may not participate equally. Because output is the result of the team’s efforts, the organization may have a difficult time identifying the weak performers and addressing the problems accordingly. Many teams are not conducive to using imagination and may restrain individuals who do not work well within a team environment.
References
- Job Interview & Career Guide: Working in a Team: Advantages and Disadvantages; February 2010
- "Teamwork 101: What Every Leader Needs to Know"; John C. Maxwell; 2009
Writer Bio
Brian Bass has written about accountancy-related topics and accounting trends for "Account Today." He works as a senior auditor specializing in manufacturing and financial services companies for one of the Big 5 accounting firms. Bass hold a master's degree in accounting from the University of Utah.