YES! If the group is not primarily interdependent, then teamwork can
be detrimental to the effectiveness of the group. For instance,
teambuilding programs for salespeople will
usually be counterproductive. Salespeople
are typically independent and self-motivating.
Therefore, teambuilding activities will be
seen by the group as a waste of time. More
effective training for group who is not interdependent
would be communication training, leadership
training, or other forms of personal development.
If the group is interdependent, but doesn't
realize that the actions of the individual
affect the group, then teambuilding activities
will also meet with resistance. This may
occur in an organization where departments
are autonomous. Department heads may begin
to see themselves in competition with other
department heads for resources including
budgets, capital, and personnel. Before implementing
teambuilding activities with this type of
group, spend some time helping the group
realize how interdependent they really are.
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