Self-Directed Teams

Paper Summary:

The paper defines self-directed work teams and describes their characteristics that include proper planning, preparation and education. The paper first examines various studies regarding the personal traits and competence of self-directed team members that show the complexity of these groups and their makeup. The paper then shows how, because one is dealing with the variability of human personality, behavior and skills, forming and implementing successful self-directed teams is not an easy process. The paper concludes with three main points and emphasizes that as with any new program, introducing self-directed work teams can bring excellent results only if implemented the correct way.

Outline:
Abstract
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Self-directed work teams are becoming increasingly popular in both manufacturing and service organizations, because of their positive characteristics of focusing on team contributions and solutions, collaboration, continuous improvement, competency and positive results to productivity. However, a company must think carefully about the ramifications on both the management and the personnel when implementing these teams. They will impact everyone in the organization, including both management and employees."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Abbott, J.B., Boyd, N.B, and Miles, G. (2006) Does Type of Team Matter? An Investigation of the Relationships Between Job Characteristics and Outcomes Within a Team-Based Environment. The Journal of Social Psychology146(4) 485-507
• Attaran, M. and Nguyen, N.U. (1999) Succeeding with self-managed work teams. CT Industrial Management. 41(4). 24-29
• Brannick, M.T. and C. Prince. An overview of team performance measurement. In Team performance assessment and measurement-Theory, methods, and applications, ed. M. Brannick, E. Salas and C. Prince. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum. Brannick, M.T., E. Salas and C. Prince. 1997. Team performance assessment and measurement: Theory, methods, and applications. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.
• Capozzoli, T. (2004). Succeed with self-directed work teams. SuperVision. 65-66 .)
• Ceasar, D. (2006) Communication in the Transition to Self-Directed Work TeamsJournal of Business Communication; 43(4) 295-321

More papers on Self-Directed Teams:

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• Comparison Essay # 9850 : "Self-Managed Work Teams"

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