Planning the Project: Using Research Tools-Discussion
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Planning the Project: Using Research Tools-Discussion
Cohesion in a team is imperative especially in the accomplishment of project aims and objectives. When a group begins functioning as a team, there is increase in efficiency and productivity (Ancona & Bresman, 2007). Moreover, project teams do not only augment their output, they also become capable of policing themselves and solving internal conflicts within the structure (Nicholas & Steyn, 2012). Certain factors can cause significant conflicts within teams. One of these factors comprises diversity. In this case, our respective project team nearly experienced a destructive conflict situation. The reason for this was due to different racial backgrounds evident within the group. While working as the leader of my project team, I was able to perceive tensions within the group especially in relation to the team members. Some of them were considerably intolerant of the minority ethnic backgrounds. Because of such negative attitudes, the project began skipping its milestones further warranting the threat of non-completion.
In order to ensure that the team did not lose focus, I decided to have a sit down with the group members in order to address the issue. Some of the members felt inadequate based on the superimposition applied by majority of the racial predispositions within the group. Through hierarchical authority, I issued a warning to the members accused of prejudice and bias against minority members. Even though I presumed that my strategy would work, it did not. Accordingly, conflict can occur when some team members express that their ideas are considerably dominant than others (Cohen & Bradford, 2005). This was similar in this case. The members accused of bigotry asserted their dominance by portraying their ideas as more relevant in decision-making processes than other members. Since there was lack of alternatives, I decided to remove the intolerant members since the project was considerably important than the uncooperative members.
References:
Ancona, D., & Bresman, H. (2007). X-Teams: How to build teams that lead, innovate and succeed. Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press.
Cohen, A. R., & Bradford, D. L. (2005). Influence without authority. Somerset, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.
Nicholas, J. M., & Steyn, H. (2012). Project management for business, engineering, and technology: Principles and practice. New York, NY: Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group.