Question

Is it important to learn to work with others? Tell why or why not. Define the function of a team. Discuss experts suggested size for teams/work groups and tell why it is suggested to have that number range of members in the team/work group. Also, share your thought on virtual teams (pros/cons as well as, likes/dislikes). Feel free to respond to your fellow virtual classmate's comments.

Answer 1

It is important to learn to work with others because no one person can do every work by himself. There are few works where skilled expertise is required to do the work. A person may be skilled in one task while he may be mediocre in others. Hence, there is a requirement to get the work done by using each other's skills. Some specialised tasks required working in isolation so as not to get disturbed.

The Function of a team is to get the work done in the given time frame by collaborating with each other. Teams are formed to use the skills of its members and work on problems and provide the solutions.

Depending upon the task, the correct size of the teams will be in the range of 4-7 persons. This is because a small size team will not provide the entire range of skills and knowledge while a large team will end up with excess members which can de detrimental as there will be a tussle for leadership and recognition. Having an optimum size well ensure that the team will function smoothly.

Virtual teams are teams where members are working in different locations and are connected through technology like video conferencing, chatbots, social media etc. Virtual teams are boon for a company since they utilize the talents from different locations of the world. It also reduces the cost of relocation. Teams can interact with each other online and perform their tasks. Operational costs are reduced. The only drawback is that interaction will happen only for a while and it won't give the team to bond much. Also, due to different locations and cultures, communication may be a problem and there might be conflicts which cannot be resolved through these medium.