Team Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Team Development - Essay Example The study of group behavior and team development has evolved from various disciplines originating among social scientists to organizational management. Contemporary studies of group behavior recognized the need to understand the relationships between group members and different factors affecting their development as a participating and performing team. There are studies which support the concept that groups influence work behavior. According to Heathfield (2010), a team is defined as â€Å"any group of people organized to work together interdependently and cooperatively to meet the needs of their customers by accomplishing a purpose and goals† (par. 1). Groups have to be planned not only in their formation but more so in their development for them to be productive and efficient. Each team undergoes varies stages of development depending on their size and objectives. The extent of cohesiveness that a team develops influences the level of performance of a group. High performing teams are influenced by factors such as mission, roles, leadership, communication, decision-making, systems/procedures, climate, rewards, and competence. It is learning how these teams evolve from a basic structure composed of individuals to a complex, performing team that makes theoretical applications of group development worthwhile. Being considered at the number 1 retail discount store in the US today makes Walmart the employer every employee seeks to be a part of. The Jobs and Employment News (JEN) site presented a career development study at Walmart which avers that â€Å"while many other companies look at training as an occasional issue, Walmart considers training as part of their regular work environment† (JEN, 2010, par. 4). The various training programs lined up for Walmart associates are as follows: new associate orientation, cashier simulated training (CST), summer internship program, manager in training (MIT), fresh food academy of classes, engagement