Introduction
Teams are an essential part of many organizations, working towards a common goal by combining the skills and expertise of each member. Various types of social unions of people are similar to teams but different in nature and aims. While teams are task-oriented and focused on solving complex problems, groups can be social, and clubs often come together based on a shared interest or activity (Muchinsky & Howes, 2019). However, gangs engage in criminal or antisocial activities, and committees are appointed or elected to make decisions or take action on behalf of an organization. Thus, teams are an essential part of the development for the effective operation of any organization.
Studying Organizational Teams
In 2012, three dominant themes emerged in the study of teams within organizations. They could be divided into dynamic composition, technology and distance, and increasing diversity (Tannenbaum et al., 2012). The first theme points out how, over time, teams have evolved to become more dynamic and fluid in their composition, with membership changes being planned and orchestrated (Tannenbaum et al., 2012).
Technology has also significantly impacted how teams operate, with improved knowledge repositories and connectivity, making it easier for team members to access information regardless of their location (Tannenbaum et al., 2012). Teams started to rely extensively on technology-based communications and meetings.
Moreover, in recognition of the value of diversity, teams were becoming more diverse in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, age, and other factors (Tannenbaum et al., 2012). This increased diversity had implications for team dynamics, communication, and decision-making. Similar changes could be found during the spread of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The pandemic has increased reliance on technology, with remote work becoming the norm for many organizations. This has brought about challenges in maintaining social interactions due to the absence of emotional cues and intelligence. Moreover, teams have become increasingly diverse, affecting team dynamics, communication, and decision-making. Therefore, it is evident that the theme of remote work and increased reliance on technology remains constant, and because during the pandemic, lockdowns were forced, this development was an inevitable continuation.
The study by Lal et al. (2021) covered this topic extensively. Researchers claim that the COVID-19 epidemic has caused a dramatic rise in the number of people working remotely, which has increased their dependency on technology and altered the dynamics among coworkers (Lal et al., 2021). This research aims to learn how people who work remotely stay connected with their coworkers (Lal et al., 2021).
According to the authors, the lack of signs and emotional intelligence makes it challenging to sustain social contact through technology (Lal et al., 2021). Job insecurity, heavier workloads, and extensive use of technology are all highlighted as variables impacting workers’ quality of life at work (Lal et al., 2021). Researchers concluded that remote workers might be more productive if their employers consider their unique perspectives and emotions about working from home (Lal et al., 2021). Consequently, using technology for teamwork has become a new norm.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the importance of teams must be balanced, and they continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of organizations. Technology and distance have become increasingly important, with the pandemic forcing organizations to rely even more heavily on technology-based communication and meetings. Additionally, increasing team diversity requires attention to team dynamics and communication to ensure success. Ultimately, organizations must adapt and be flexible to remain effective and productive in today’s rapidly changing environment.
References
Lal, B., Dwivedi, Y. K., & Haag, M. (2021). Working from home during covid-19: Doing and managing technology-enabled social interaction with colleagues at a distance. Information Systems Frontiers. Web.
Muchinsky, P. M., & Howes, S. S. (2019). Psychology applied to work: An introduction to industrial and organizational psychology. Hypergraphic Press, Inc.
Tannenbaum, S. I., Mathieu, J. E., Salas, E., & Cohen, D. (2012). Teams are changing: Are Research and Practice Evolving Fast Enough? Industrial and Organizational Psychology, 5(1), 2–24. Web.