Page 371 - Business Principles and Management

Unit 4

FIGURE 14-1 Characteristics of effective work teams.

support for
group purpose

members
understand activities are
responsibilities clear

committed to members have
the group needed skills

work to solve communicate
problems effectively

have biases or stereotypes about other group members. They may not be prepared
to cooperate in completing a task or know how to make effective team decisions.
Managers can play an important role in developing team effectiveness. To
develop effective teams, they must understand the characteristics that make
groups effective, help to organize the team and develop needed team skills, cre-
ate a work environment that supports teamwork, and help the group resolve
problems when they occur.

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

Operations are the major ongoing activities of a business. When completing the
implementing function, managers are ensuring that employees are performing busi-
ness activities as planned. Several activities are part of operations management.
Facilities, equipment, materials, and supplies must be available and in good operat-
ing condition so employees can perform their work. Employees must have the
knowledge and skills to do their work. Managers must make sure that employees
complete their tasks on schedule, and work to resolve problems that could interfere
with the successful completion of the job. Refer back to the beginning of the chap-
ter and try to identify the operations issues that Jasmine was facing.
Effective planning and organizing are important parts of operations man-
agement. Planning helps employees know what to do. In the same way, well-
organized work space and procedures for completing work tasks help operations
run smoothly. If problems occur in the operations of a business, managers should
examine the planning and organizing of the work.

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