1. Teamwork

2. Teamwork and motivation
Some motivational theorists have identified the importance of teamwork for motivating employees: Abraham Maslow – social needs feature in his hierarchy of needs Elton Mayo – the theory of human relations concludes that teamwork and management interest in the workers are necessary for employee motivation

3. Importance of teamwork
Teamwork can:
Increase labour productivity
Encourage innovation
Improve employee commitment and motivation
Increase quality
Lower absenteeism and labour turnover

4. Formal and informal teams
Formal groups are developed to meet given organisational objectives. Members have defined roles and there will be a leader. Informal groups are based on the relationships between group members. They are concerned with social and psychological needs rather than business objectives. Informal groups may provide support for formal groups.

5. Characteristics of effective teams
Effective teams are likely to display the following characteristics:
Clear, shared goals
Defined roles
Open and honest communication
Mutual trust
Effective decision making
Balanced participation and leadership
Co-operation
Ways of managing conflict

6. Effectiveness of teams
The effectiveness of a team can depend upon:
The skills and abilities of the team members
The size of the group
The task to be undertaken

7. Belbin’s team roles
Belbin identified a number of roles of team members:
Plant – creative problem solver
Resource investigator – extrovert and enthusiastic
Co-ordinator – mature and good delegator
Shaper – dynamic and driven
Monitor-evaluator – strategic thinker
Team worker – co-operative and calming
Implementer – reliable and efficient
Completer – conscientious perfectionist
Specialist – provides knowledge and skills