Case 1, Chap.3, Setting Up Teams at James Corporation
This case is about how organizations establish formal teams in an organization, why they do it, and what's required for success.
- What about the work at the James Corporation made a move to teams a sound decision?
Building prestressed concrete sections is not individual work but requires the careful collaboration of several people. The success of each employee involved in this work is interdependent with that of other employees. Creating teams to enhance this collaboration makes a lot of sense in this kind of work situation.
- What had to be in place for this move to teams to succeed and why was this important?
A few things have to be in place and happen for teams to succeed. These include the enthusiastic support of top managers, who must stick with the transition to teams even when it takes a while for them to get established. It also requires training for the supervisor and for employees. In this case, the company engaged a consultant to help in the process. Finally, team members have to feel that the company really believes in this and is committed for the long term to teams and teamwork.
- Why do you think the employees were more enthusiastic about their jobs after the move to teams?
The employees saw that they were more successful and that they had the support of their teammates. Whenever people proactively work together with a positive attitude (which reflects the same positive attitude of management about teams), it results in their being enthusiastic. Further the new success they are achieving also reinforces their enthusiasm as does the recognition they are receiving from their supervisor, who credits them with the increase in productivity.
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