Reframing Organizations, 4th ed.
Chapter 5
Organizing Groups and Teams
The Power of Teams
Teams are vital to organizational performance Transplant surgeon Peter Minnich: the team is
as important as the surgeon High-performance commando team: fluid,
lateral structure for planning, top-down structure for execution
Top-performing teams need the right blueprint of roles and relationships
Organizing Groups and Teams
Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups Teamwork and Interdependence Determinants of Successful Teamwork Team Structure and Top Performance Saturn: The Story Behind the Story
Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups
Structural Options Situational Variables Influencing Structure
What is our goal? What needs to be done? Who should do what? How should we make decisions? Who is in charge? How do we coordinate efforts?
Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups (II)
Situational Variables, con’t. What do individuals care about most?
Time Quality Participation
What are special skill and talents of members? What is the relationship between groups? How will we determine success?
Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups (III) Basic Structural
Configurations One Boss Dual Authority Simple Hierarchy Circle Network All Channel Network
Figure 5-1: One Boss
Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups (III) Basic Structural
Configurations One Boss Dual Authority Simple Hierarchy Circle Network All Channel Network
Figure 5- 2: Dual Authority
Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups (III) Basic Structural
Configurations One Boss Dual Authority Simple Hierarchy Circle Network All Channel Network
Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups (III) Basic Structural
Configurations One Boss Dual Authority Simple Hierarchy Circle Network All Channel Network
Tasks and Linkages in Small Groups (III) Basic Structural
Configurations One Boss Dual Authority Simple Hierarchy Circle Network All Channel Network
Teamwork and Interdependence
Baseball Football Basketball
Determinants of Successful Teamwork Determining an appropriate structural design
Nature and degree of task interaction Geographic distribution of members Where is autonomy needed, given the team’s
goals and objectives? Should structure be conglomerate,
mechanistic, or organic? Task of management:
fill out line-up card prepare game plan Influence flow
Team Structure and Top Performance Six distinguishing characteristics of high-
performing teams Shape purpose in response to a demand or
opportunity Specific, measurable goals Manageable size Right mix of expertise Common commitment Collectively accountable
Saturn: The Story Behind the Story
Quality, Consumer Satisfaction, Customer Loyalty
Employees granted authority Assembly done by teams – Wisdom of
Teams Group Accountability
Conclusion
Every group evolves a structure, but not always one that fits task and circumstances
Hierarchy, top-down tend to work for simple, stable tasks
When task or environment is more complex, structure needs to adapt
Sports images provide a metaphor for structural options Vary the structure in response to change Few groups have flawless members; the right structure
can make optimal use of available resources