Society, and subsequently business, have a solidified conception that teamwork is best. This was immediately apparent as each of my classmates raised their and offered their opinions as to why teamwork is better. I endeavour to explore how much of this conception is rooted in truth and experience and how much is archaic ideology that over time has been accepted as fact.
Diversity, influence, accountability are nouns commonly associated with teamwork. To me, these are the most compelling arguments towards teamwork. An individual cannot provide diversity, influence, and accountability within, upon, and to oneself. As an athlete on a national team I can attest to the importance of support and encouragement from teammates.
However, teamwork isn’t infallible. Contrarily, there are many contemporary cases that prove teamwork to be a detriment. For example, the clashing of Disney’s CEO and President in 1996 was a by-product of forced teamwork and cooperation. This colossal clash of executives cost Disney $140 million in severance and years of costly legal fees. In addition to personality conflicts, the environment of teamwork is conducive to “social loafing”. Social loafing can manifest itself in two ways: these are known as the ‘free-rider’ and the ‘sucker’ effects. In short, these manifestations can impair the team’s ability to function in an efficient and healthy manner. Arguably, the most detrimental attribute that is attributed to teamwork is that of ‘groupthink’ and ‘group shift’. These phenomenon act to contradict the fundamental principles that make teamwork a viable option in the first place. Working as individuals effectively eliminates all of the above problems associated with group work.
In my opinion, teamwork has undeservingly earned a bulletproof grandiose image amongst society, that has been built up and exacerbated over time. This façade has been the root of many problems of all sizes and from all parts of the world. As an old African Proverb states: “if you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. I believe this proverb touches on a key point…they’re different. While teamwork, is incredibly effective and necessary in certain situations, it isn’t infallible, and there will always be situations in which working as an individual is better.
Resources:
http://www.intelligenceforrent.com/index.php/georges-portfolio-practical-intelligence/16-services/georges-portfolio-practical-intelligence/business-issue-analysis/28-the-fallacy-of-teamwork-part-i-train-of-thought
https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_82.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groupshift
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/social-loafing.html
http://smallbusiness.chron.com/importance-teamwork-work-11196.html
http://jezebel.com/on-the-origin-of-certain-quotable-african-proverbs-1766664089
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