Individual Essay on Teamwork: Definition, Types, and Importance

This essay provides a comprehensive overview of teamwork, examining its definition as a cooperative effort towards common goals. It differentiates between teams and groups, outlining the criteria for each. The essay then explores various types of teams, including project teams, functional teams, cross-functional teams, and self-managed teams, among others. It emphasizes the crucial importance of teamwork in the workplace, highlighting its role in motivating unity, improving efficiency, and promoting workplace synergy. The essay also discusses how teamwork strategies contribute to increased productivity levels within organizations, such as through workload sharing, co-worker support, and cross-training. The conclusion reinforces the significance of teamwork for employee morale, harmonious relationships, and overall business success.

INDIVIDUAL ESSAY

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................1
1 Definition of teamwork ...........................................................................................................1
2 The difference between team and group .................................................................................2
3 Different types of teams ..........................................................................................................3
4 The importance of work in a team ..........................................................................................4
5 Productivity level.....................................................................................................................4
CONCLUSION ...............................................................................................................................5
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................6

INTRODUCTION
Teamwork refers to cooperative and collaborative effort between group of people
towards accomplishment of common goals in the effective as well as in efficient manner. For
successful teamwork basic necessities required comprises of team size, availability of resources
and clearly defined goals. In the present report it has been discussed about meaning of teamwork,
difference between team and group, various types of team and importance of work in team and
impact of teamwork on level of productivity (Chuang, Jackson and Jiang, 2016).
MAIN BODY
1 Definition of teamwork
The team is known as group of two or more individuals who work towards attainment of
common goals and purpose. The concept of teamwork is concerned with carrying out work
activities by framing teams and groups. According to Business Directory, teamwork is known as
process where groups and teams are formed with collaborative and coordinated efforts to attain
various common aims and tasks. As per this definition employees utilise their distinguished
individual skills and knowledge to furnish inferential feedback by avoiding conflicts among
themselves.
Teamwork comprises of division of large work activities into smaller segments, among
the individuals with aim of accomplishment of objectives and task. It also includes cooperation
as well as integration of various activities for attainment of common purpose which has been set
by business organisation. Teamwork is viewed as different set of behaviours which facilitate
impressive interaction among members of teams of the organisations which further leads to
attainment of aims and objectives. Thus, the term teamwork is related to two major aspects
which consist of achievement of objectives and existence of team in the organisations.
According to(Hu and Liden, 2015), teamwork is concerned with various individuals who
work towards particular task and foregoing individual obscurity for positive effect on the whole
business organisation to great extent. This is ability of members of team working together for
achievement of shared vision. From above discussion it can be analysed teamwork is properly
concerned with carrying out work activities with shared vision and utilising personal unique and
talents of individuals for achieving common goals.
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2 The difference between team and group
CRITERIA GROUPS TEAMS
Purpose The sharing of knowledge and
information among members
of groups. The objectives of
group have wide scope and
shows main objectives of
organisation.
The aim of team is clearly
defined for every member
forming part objectives of
organisation. Their purpose is
to accomplish common goals
by members of team.
Process This includes discussing the
problem than deciding and
doing proper delegation of
tasks among individual
members (Körner and et. al.,
2016).
The process of team involves
effective discussion related to
problems, than deciding ways
for solving the problem
between team members in
collective form.
Accountability The group members are
answerable and accountable
for their individual
performance.
Members of team responsible
for both mutual and individual
performance as problems are
solved collectively.
Conflict Resolution It is not necessary to be part of
process for resolving conflicts.
Resolving conflicts among
team members is considered to
be part of process.
Size Size of group is unlimited. Team size is limited ranging
between five to nine members.
Leadership As groups are not established
than single leader is appointed
to speak on behalf of groups
rather than emphasising on
Business organisations
appoints official team leader
focusing shared vision among
team members (Salas and et.
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coordinated activities. al., 2015).
Focus on The groups focuses on
attainment of individual goals
of group members.
Team members emphasis on
accomplishing team goals.
3 Different types of teams
Every team focuses on coordinated performance in which it is concerned with both
mutual and individual accountability. Teams leads to increased productivity with efficiency in
the organisation. Their are various types of teams which are defined below:-
1. Project Team- This team is group of individuals that works collectively with strategies
towards achievement of shared goals. It is related with completion of task in specified
and measurable time period. These teams allows allotment of clear responsibilities and
roles for specific task. Project team is further classified as:-
◦ Functional team- This team is permanent in nature which comprises of members
from same departments with different responsibilities. These teams are mainly
form in project management companies (Fidalgo-Blanco and et. al., 2015)..
◦ Cross- functional team- This type of team consist of team members from different
departments to overcome the specified tasks which requires inputs and expertise.
◦ Matrix Team- It is also referred to as two boss system. These teams the members
have to report to distinct manager for their work. This assist managers to have
proper control over the project without involved in decision making process.
◦ Contract Team- This is known as outsourced team in which members are
restricted by contract. The role of managers in this type of team plays crucial role
for effective working.
2. Self-Managed Teams- This team comprises of employees within the same company
towards reaching common set of goals.
3. Virtual Teams- This team includes employees working in different locations and
majorly rely on communication and collaboration techniques. These teams helps to
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maintain work-life balance. These are classified on the basis of three dimensions which
involves time, space and culture.
4. Operational Team- The main purpose of this team is to play supportive role to make
sure that business operations are conducted smoothly.
5. Problem Solving Team- These teams are temporary in nature and emphasis on solving
specific issue. This is formed to find solutions to overcome the situation of steep
recession.
4 The importance of work in a team
Teamwork plays crucial role in success of business organisation. In today's global
scenario teamwork at workplace is very important for growth and survival of businesses. The
importance of teamwork at workplace is discussed below:-
 Motivates unity at Workplace- The environment of teamwork promotes friendly,
harmonious relations in organisation (Fidalgo-Blanco and et. al., 2015). Here employees
remain focused towards achievement of goals and objectives. Also remain motivated for
same goal in harmony at workplace.
 Provides Improved Efficiency- With the help of teamwork strategies the organisation
becomes more productive and efficient. As, it helps to share the workload, reduce
pressure on individuals and ensuring that tasks are achieved within set time period.
 Promotes Workplace Synergy- Cooperation and mutual support gives workplace
synergy. This leads individuals towards feeling of collective responsibility for outcomes
achieved and provide employees with rewards for performing effectively at higher levels.
5 Productivity level
Teamwork strategies ensures increased productivity within organisation. In every
organisation various teams are formed to work collectively as it promotes more efficient work
and completion of tasks within specified time period due to intervention of many minds for
achieving objectives and goals of business organisation. Productivity level is increased with the
help of strategies of teamwork. Their are many ways for it which are are follows:-
 Productivity can be increased with the help of workload sharing.
 Work activities in organisations can be completed with fast speed by involving more than
one person and conducting brainstorming sessions.
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 Their can be increase in level of productivity with the support of co-worker during ups
and down in business life (Körner and et. al., 2016).
 Another way for increasing productivity can be done by providing cross training to
employees. As effective training plan enables staff members to work with best flexibility
in the schedules of work activity
CONCLUSION
From the above report it can be concluded that teamwork plays essential role at the
workplace. Along with this there are different types of team which are helpful for attaining goals
and objectives in efficacious manner. Teamwork helps organisation to boost morale of
employees, fosters harmonious relationship and motivates employees to work harder with
cooperation and coordination. Also, increases the productivity level by sharing work among team
members and have positive impact on profitability and business.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Chuang, C. H., Jackson, S. E. and Jiang, Y., 2016. Can knowledge-intensive teamwork be
managed? Examining the roles of HRM systems, leadership, and tacit
knowledge. Journal of management. 42(2). pp.524-554.
Fidalgo-Blanco, Á. and et. al., 2015. Using Learning Analytics to improve teamwork
assessment. Computers in Human Behavior. 47. pp.149-156.
Hu, J. and Liden, R. C., 2015. Making a difference in the teamwork: Linking team prosocial
motivation to team processes and effectiveness. Academy of Management
Journal. 58(4). pp.1102-1127.
Körner, M. and et. al., 2016. Interprofessional teamwork and team interventions in chronic care:
A systematic review. Journal of Interprofessional Care. 30(1). pp.15-28.
Salas, E. and et. al., 2015. Understanding and improving teamwork in organizations: A
scientifically based practical guide. Human Resource Management. 54(4). pp.599-622.
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