Course Paper- Quality Teamwork
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The two companies of focus are the Sentara Norfolk General Hospital and Analog devices. In the Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, the challenge faced was having results on X-ray of CAT scan taking longer times to report. Consequently, a team was formed to resolve this issue. A team leader was selected to facilitate the team. Key attributes of the team leader played an integral role in her selection as the leader of the team. The team ensured that the main concern would be on the processes rather than on the performance of individuals. The team met less often, but within the few times that they met, they addressed the issue they found vehemently. Notably, the team sought solutions for the problems they found and implemented them while addressing other issues. As a result, major changes were realized within the nursing department, making it more effective in its processes.
In Analog Devices, one of its units was under intense pressure to set up a new plant. It was identified that in order to achieve success, people with certain traits were needed. Precisely, these include experience, flexibility, effective communication, and high cross-training. To achieve the goal of the company, the company requires operation on a 24-hour basis. This, therefore, requires four separate teams operating on shifts. Notably, each team, while working they is required to run a number of sensitive functions hence the need for being registered on all functions within multiple areas. The teams do not require the presence supervisor; hence they work independently but reports to the production manager. Notably, some of the team members are required to coordinate with senior managers and engineers. Some of the operations require specific attention, and this allows members of the team to rotate through different roles, thereby pushing for cross-training. Also, communication is integral, whereby the teams select representatives who attend various meetings with the managers and engineers. Consequently, the new plant was set-up and became operational within a short period of time, and in addition, productivity within the company increased since the teams were more effective and efficient.
Various attributes for quality teamwork are evident in both cases. The team under the Sentara Norfolk General Hospital is a problem-solving team in that the team is tasked with addressing a workplace issue involving productivity. The team worked as a unit and collected data on the main challenge and devised solutions. Since the solutions did not involve major changes, the team implemented them on their own. Thus, the team achieved its objective, and this demonstrates team effectiveness. Aspects of team leadership played a crucial role; for example, the team leader was selected partly because of her knowledge. Notably, communication within the team also played an integral role, as shown by the meetings they had. It is also important to note that the team had clearly defined goals such that the team focused on the processes rather than individual performances. This also demonstrates a team organization.
On the other hand, the team in Analog devises is demonstrated as a self-managed team. Each member of the team has a wide range of responsibilities, and they are not under any supervision. However, they are required to report to their manager. In this case, various attributes demonstrate team effectiveness. This is demonstrated in the sense that the team achieves its overall goals, progress is made quickly, their strength as a unit is maintained, and overall, their relationship with the organization is strengthened. The attributes are such that the team members are very knowledgeable in that they are certified in various aspects, they are flexible and adaptable in that they can work on different processes and are effective in communicating whereby members can coordinate with managers and engineers. The aspect of having clear goals allows the team to remain focused. The team maintains a high level of trust, and this promotes a positive attitude within the team.
Both teams demonstrate similarities in key aspects. This, for example, is in terms of having clearly defined goals. Moreover, the team members had clearly defined roles, and this promoted team effectiveness. Participation by team members also enhanced team quality in both cases. Notably, for both cases, communication was key to addressing the various challenges faced.
While these similarities are evident, there were also differences in the organization in the teams. The Analog Devices team was not managed in that they were self-managed. Thus, the team performed a wide range of responsibilities but were guided by certain guidelines. Also, the team had shared leadership, while in the case of Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, the leader was selected based on her attributes. Notably, even though both teams required knowledgeable people, Analog devices required individuals who were extremely talented. As a result, the productivity was also higher compared to that of Sentara Norfolk General Hospital
Diverse quality teams are effective in solving organizational problems because the diversity ensures skills and knowledge needed for task completion are available. Through proper management, creativity is promoted, consequently leading to goal achievement more efficiently. Also, better problem solving and decision making are promoted. Even though there are negative impacts of diverse quality teams, the benefit supersedes the negative impacts.
Organizational culture plays a crucial role in the utilization of diverse quality teams. A culture that does not support diversity will constrain the effectiveness of a team. For example, certain countries have a culture that supports self-managed teams. If a company does not support such, then productivity will not be promoted. Hence there is a need for companies to have an organizational culture that is flexible. Favorable culture will promote team effectiveness while an unfavorable culture will not.