Strong teams can be one of the greatest strengths of an organization-just as poor teams can spell disaster. Group Dynamics and Team Interventions brings research and practice together to offer proven application and intervention techniques to help optimize team functioning in the workplace. Strong teams can be one of the greatest strengths of an organization just as poor teams can spell disaster. Group Dynamics and Team Interventions brings research and practice together to offer proven application and intervention techniques to help optimize team functioning in the workplace. Preface xviAcknowledgements xxPart I Introduction 11 Introduction to Teams 32 Methods of Assessing and Evaluating Team Functioning 18Part II Inputs 433 Team Theories and Concepts 454 Understanding Culture and Diversity 705 Preparing the Environment for Teamwork 93Part III Processes 1096 Improving Small Group Communication and Trust 1117 Improving Creativity and Innovation 1378 Improving Problem Solving and Decision Making 1579 Understanding Cohesion and Collaboration 17610 Reducing Dysfunctional Conflict and Improving Cooperation 19911 Influence, Power, and Leadership 22912 Working in Virtual Teams 259Part IV Outputs 28113 Searching for Synergy: Creating a High-Performing Team 283Appendix: Improving Team Meetings 300References 307Index 340