From loose groups to effective teams

Abstract

In this article a framework is developed, and validated, that provides an insight into the critical issues associated with the transformation of a loose group into an effective team. In this context, a loose group is defined as a number of individuals brought together to achieve a task, but with no further development undertaken. An effective team, by contrast, is one in which development of a supportive social structure has occurred, with each individual adapting his behaviour to optimise his personal contribution to the team. The insight gained has enabled the authors to identify those issues that limit the speed with which an effective team forms. This in turn has enabled specific recommendations to be made that will help effective teams to form in the minimum time. In the current research program the organisation studied was a multinational engineering company, engaged in the design, development and manufacture of rotating turbomachinery.