In my opinion, the working group scenario is the best option to pick for a group of people. It puts responsibility on each individual of the group instead of the group as a whole. Everyone who has been to school knows what it is like to work with a small group of people. A few things can happen. The group could experience no problems what so ever and they will get a good grade, but problems will occur and it is up to the group to fix it. This takes time to fix that a group doesn't usually have. The more people that work on a small task the more time it takes to be done. The group will start to argue and get in each others way to try and fix the problem.
It's better for the group to assign different tasks to each individual so work is done efficiently and if a problem comes up, it is up to the individual or the group leader to decide how to handle it as quickly and accurately as possible. Now the individual can ask his/her group members for help, that's the point of a group.
A working group is necessary for people who have met for the first time and only plan to do this one project together. But if this group continues to work with each other on a regular basis then the group can eventually evolve into a Real Team and they they may one day reach the level of High-performing Team.
I think that working groups are definitely a good idea for a project you're forced to do with other people whom you've never met before. It is more effective to work on your own and receive help from the other group members when you need it, rather than attempt to become a team in the short amount of time you'll be together and risk becoming a psuedo-team. As shown on the team performance curve, pseudo-teams are much less efficient than working groups. I would much rather "settle" to be part of a working group as opposed to trying (with the possibility of failing) at becoming a team because a team really isn't necessary to complete a project, even if it might eventually make it easier.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a working group for a class project. I do not like working in grroups in college because I have never had a good experience with it. I feel like I always end up doing way more work than anyone else and the things that other people do in groups I've experienced, I would not want to put my name on. The idea of a working group is good because each person is responsible for a different aspect rather than everyone doing one thing; this way each person has a defined role and idea of what it is their particular part in the matter is. You are also right in saying that if the group continues to work together a team may need to be formed but for one project a working group would be the most efficient route to take.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that working groups seem to be a good idea in college due tot he fact that in most cases the members do not know each other, nor do they have excessive time to constantly be together for the project. However, It does seem to be a loose-win situation when using a working group. In some cases, the team works out great when everyone holds themselves accountable for their part of the project and tasks their work seriously, however in most cases there is always someone who doesn't care as much or doesn't want to do their share of the work. I think that if your with the right group of people, a working group could definitely work in a college setting, but majority of the time that does not happen. Being able to build a real team has many more benefits and would more than likely work much better even it it is in a college setting.
ReplyDeleteYeah i'd have to say that a working group is sufficient for a group that will not stay together long. But for long term, a team proves to be more efficient since that it what you are saying is lacking. Over the long term the group connects and moves up the team performance curve gaining ever more efficient until they accomplish their task and debate dismantling. But over the short term like your saying a working group can be efficient enough to get the job done in a sufficient way.
ReplyDeleteI think its best to assign each person their own individual task. That way the project is broken up and doesn't seem like such a huge task to tackle anymore. Then when everybody finishes their part, the project can be put together smoothly. So yes, I agree that a working group is necessary for people who have met for the first time, but after that, a high-performing team is the way to go.
ReplyDelete