Def. of Learning Org LO4204

DanatPDI@aol.com
Tue, 12 Dec 1995 11:43:46 -0500

Replying to LO4139 --

OrgPsych@aol.com writes:

> When most organizations start "teambuilding" efforts they have no clue
whatsoever what a team actually is or how to use such an organization.
What they are really after is building a level of teamwork. Once this is
done, teams may be formed on an ad hoc basis. To form a team and plan on
it existing and functioning for an extended (indefinite) period of time
means that what has really been formed is a high performing (hopefully)
work group. But it is not a team.

> Teams have definite criteria inherent in the definition of a team.

I would be interested in the "inherent" criteria and how they preclude a
high performing work group from being a "team."

If one defines a team as "a group of individuals who must work
interdependently to achieve personal and organizational objectives" it is
then possible for "team" to be a mere label. If, on the other hand, one
adds a performance criteria, i.e., "engages in behaviors and processes
that capitalize on individual contributions, collective capabilities and
team learning to achieve high levels of team effectiveness, cohesiveness
and outstanding results (teamwork), the concept and definition of a team
transcends "an organization built along specific lines to achieve a
specific purpose."

What prevents a high performing work group from being a team?

Best regards,

Dan Barkley

--
DanatPDI@aol.com