Group Project

You have just been part of a merger. You have each been chosen to head up your department and merge the two groups into a self-directed work team. Work with each other to lay out a plan describing how you will develop a new team within your department or departments. It is natural that there will be some confrontations between people. Look at the stages of team development and use that knowledge to work with the team. It is recognized that some employees will refuse to be part of the team. In fact, the new ownership expects that there will be some who lose their jobs because of these issues; however, that is a last resort.

Use all your skills to negotiate with employees in an attempt to resolve conflicts and pull your team together. Because you are working together as a team, it is seen by the ownership that if one is successful, you are all successful. Likewise, if one fails, you all fail. The future success of the company is dependent on your mutual success. Consider the following: * As a team, you must come up with a plan and be in agreement because you have to implement it in your departments. For the plan of team development, I will use Tuckman's Theory, namely, Forming, Storming, Norming- Performing.

The first step that I will take is to form a team that has all the talents and abilities required for the tasks at hand. This means a careful inventory has to be developed of the skills, and abilities and checking if these are appropriate and adequate for the task at hand. When developing a plan the objective is to develop a team that is high-performing and brings the advantages of synergies after the merger has taken place. Forming: During this stage of the team, there is a desire to be accepted and to avoid conflict; The tasks are allotted according the skills and abilities of the persons.

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The tendency during this stage is to study the other members and avoid confrontation. The team members get to know each other. It is planned that this stage should last for one week. Storming: As the owners give challenging tasks to the team there is storming and different ideas compete for consideration. I will ensure that even though confrontational ideas are presented, there is productive input and good ideas are accepted. I will use tolerance and patience because at this stage there is likely to be conflict among the employee groups belonging to each merging company. I will ensure that more comfortable interaction is possible.

This stage will take two weeks time. Norming: During this phase I will ensure that the team has only one goal and a plan will be developed to achieve the tasks given to the team. At this time norms will be developed for tackling different tasks assigned to the team and the manner in which they will be executed. The normng phase will take one weeks time. Performing: To get the team performing, I will get the team members to carry out multi-functional tasks and to become mutually interdependent. I will set challenging goals for the team and set criteria by which the performance will be evaluated.

The objectives of the team and the criteria for performance evaluation will be so designed in such a manner that the team members become interdependent. I will actively participate in the activities of the team and motivate the team members. The decision making will be participative and will encourage new ideas and even dissenting thoughts; The performing stage will continue for a period of six months. After a period of seven months it is expected that the team will be a cohesive, high performing, and synergetic. * For each step you take, provide a brief explanation of your reasoning.

Forming: during this step there is a gathering of information about the team members from the other company; There is also an attempt by the member of the acquiring company to exert their power and become dominant. At this stage simply allotting task according to the skills and abilities creates a feeling that every person has a rightful place in the team. Storming: During this step the inherent conflict between employees of the acquiring company and the acquired company come out into the open. There are conflicts over small issues, and the acquired company members will test the rules to see if they get a fair deal.

To motivate team members they must be made to feel that every person will be treated equitably. (Remember Stacey Adam's equity theory). Norming: During this stage rules of teamwork are formed and there is a give and take. The team members understand the concerns of the other members easily. Performing: During this stage by setting objectives/goal, and setting criteria for performance evaluation, I compel the group to become interdependent and flexible. This is the most direct way of ensuring that synergies are achieved. I will take certain steps during the team formation process to ensure that the team formation is successful.

Since, the members of the team come from different cultures; I will not impose outside principles or ground rules from outside. Further, since there are persons from different companies, I will ensure that the group does not get caught up in details, nor will I allow the persons from one company dominate others. I will ensure that each member of the team gets an equal say. In addition, I will set challenging targets for the team and the objectives will not merely be in financial terms. Moreover, I will encourage sharing of information and cultural integration. Finally, I will not allow random or undirected changes to my plans.

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