Conflict as a Team Tool-Sheila Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Conflict as a Team Tool-Sheila - Essay Example Team formation has been a modern management model for quite a long. Both scholars and non-scholars have argued in its favor or disfavor. In this regard, the focus of this study is not to investigate the merits or demerits of this tool but to probe the level of independence that should be tolerated within teams. It is also in the interest of this study to establish how conflicts between groups affect departmental performance. To achieve their ultimate goals, departments divide the entire project into sub-units called tasks, each of which should be delivered by each team. Eventually, the accomplished works are brought together to realize the final goal (Bezrukova, Thatcher, Jehn, & Spell, 2012). In the course of their work, these teams require some independence so that they can perform their duties efficiently. What is of concern though is the level of independence these teams should be entitled to. Conflicts are bound to arise between various teams in their day to day duties. These conflicts have impacts on departmental performance and should be pointed to concern. Independence simply means that a team works without any interference or intervention from non-team members. This freedom cannot be exercised entirely since the teams must be interdependent at some points. As a result of the interdependence, disagreements and dissatisfactions may arise leading to conflicts. Independence gives teams some sense of autonomy. The teams will be in a position to come up with work timetables suitable to them so that the members work at convenient times. Such flexible schedules are right for the minds of the team members because they feel less controlled, and they work when only ready. The performance of the workers will, therefore, be better because they will be mentally and physically prepared for working. (Bezrukova, Thatcher, Jehn, & Spell, 2012) Independence in the teams helps eliminate the barriers that