The role of the team in the functioning of the enterprise

Nowadays, the labor market has seen an increase in powerful competition, which makes it increasingly difficult to achieve your dream job, as companies are placing a number of new requirements on potential employees. Currently, having the right education, courses or experience is not a guarantee of getting the desired position. Possessing a range of competencies and qualifications for a particular profession also requires the ability to work in a team. Employers are increasingly choosing to organize tasks in teams, as this is one of the most effective methods of obtaining the desired results. This type of work has many advantages, and a well-composed team is the field of success. Individual members of the groups differ from each other, among other things, in character traits, the way of thinking, which gives the opportunity to take a fresh look at a problem and introduce multiple ideas, and thus more easily and effectively reach a certain goal.

The role of the team in the functioning of the enterprise

When we talk about employees in an organization, we mean a group of people working together to achieve the best possible results and realize common goal points. Sudol defines “an enterprise as an entity engaged in economic activity, aiming to satisfy the needs of other subjects of social life through the production of products or provision of services, while this activity is motivated by the desire to obtain material benefits and conducted independently at the risk of the owner or owners.”[1]. Thus, the decision-makers in the company are oriented towards maximizing profits while using the full potential of the employees are increasingly willing to decide on the establishment of teams, which are assigned given responsibilities. This form of cooperation brings countless benefits and a well cooperating group, achieves significantly better results. Therefore, it can be assumed that the key to the success of a prosperous enterprise is the creation of a well-matched team, through which there is the possibility of combining outstanding individuals, which consequently helps employees to overcome any barriers, obstacles and multiply energy, enthusiasm for work as well as improve creativity, thanks to an increase in the flow of information, ideas and feedback. The result of good communication in a team is a friendly atmosphere, a frank exchange of ideas, mutual commitment and a focus on achieving the best work results. Effective communication introduces “organizational order by structuring activities, building a hierarchy of authority, setting goals and objectives, accepting or not accepting them, evaluating the effect, how and when to implement them.”[2]. Fulfilling these conditions results in a job well done, faster problem solving and maximizing company profits.

Beblin's team roles

In order to create a strong and winning team, it is very important to select employees properly, identifying their individual needs and characteristics. A key element for success is member agreement, communication and openness. Creating a thriving group is not a simple task. Guidelines for building and managing a team to realize the full potential of subordinates were identified by M. Belbin. The researcher is the creator of the theory that the degree of performance of an assigned activity is directly proportional to knowledge, provided that it goes hand in hand with the right character traits. This can be understood as meaning that even with the best qualifications, substantive competence, a given employee will not be able to adequately fulfill the assigned task if he does not manifest certain predispositions. Analyzing the research conducted, M. Belbin created a list of nine team roles. According to the scientist, in order for a group to reach its full potential, it must include all the specified roles. Information on the performance of team roles can be consumed in two ways. “First, one can compare the profile of team roles available to a candidate with the requirements of the job, or, more accurately, with the computer-generated model of team roles that the job requires."[3]. When building a team, therefore, it should be taken into account that subordinates definitely function better when they know what is strictly required of them and when they behave according to their strengths.

Division of team roles

3.1 Intellectual roles

- Specialist- “Specialists take pride in their work and their ability to control their own professional activities.”[4]. Central to this role is the freedom gained from the boss and clearly defined goals and responsibilities. Professionalism, independence and a great deal of knowledge and experience characterize this role model. On the other hand, the biggest disadvantage he has is concentration a details and lack of ability to look at things more broadly.

- Value Critic - He is excellent at performing the tasks assigned to him. He carefully analyzes and considers all the “pros” and “cons”. He organizes work well. His weakness is rigidity in views which makes it difficult to make changes.

- Thinker - “A thinker requires external coordination - he must have a supporter, an ally. The ideal manager for him is the Coordinator."[5] This type of role is characterized by exceptional creativity and optimism; however, he has problems communicating with other group members and accepting criticism.

3.2 Task roles

- Locomotive - Characterized by dynamism, enjoys challenges and competition. He is great at teamwork, and the desire to succeed drives him to action. The negative trait of this role is dominance, which he is prone to alienate other members of the group.

- Meticulous doer - People in this group are focused on achieving specific goals. In teamwork, he excels at completing assigned tasks with attention to detail. A thorough and conscientious individualist is reluctant to delegate work to other members.

- Implementer - Has organizational skills. He is disciplined, conservative and trustworthy. He knows how to transform an idea into implementation. The downside of this personality type is low flexibility due to which he reacts late in new situations.

3.3 Social roles

- Soul of the team - Relationships with the team are important to him. He is able to cooperate and listen. He brings a calm atmosphere to the group and prevents clashes. He is gentle and diplomatic. The disadvantage of this role is submission to influence and indecisiveness in violent, unplanned situations.

- Coordinator - A dominant, confident guide. Defines goals, helps and encourages decision-making, skillfully distributes tasks. By his desire to dominate, he may be perceived as a manipulator in the eyes of co-workers.

- Source finder - This is a very contactable and sociable person. She is characterized by great enthusiasm in dealing with others. He establishes contacts effortlessly and negotiates well. The downside of this role is too much enthusiasm, which often quickly subsides, which consequently leads to losing interest in the problem.

Organization in a team is most effective when there is an appropriate diversity of team roles. All team roles are equally important and have specific functions. The topic of teamwork is becoming more common among employers to increase the efficiency of their subordinates. Knowledge of the roles performed increases tolerance and improves the degree of alignment of assigned tasks with the employee. Awareness of the function of roles is due to M. Belbin, who undertook research on the subject. Through an in-depth analysis, the researcher showed the possibility of achieving higher efficiency in team activities.

Bibliography

Rzepka B., Efektywna komunikacja w zespole, Wyd. Edgard, Warszawa 2012

Belbin M., Twoja rola w zespole, Wydawnictwo GWP, Gdańsk 2008

Chmiel N., Psychologia pracy i organizacji, GWP, Gdańsk 2003

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