Part B: Reflection of Individual Experience of The Teamwork

A personal reflection on the group work will provide substantial on different experiences faced while completing the assignment. Notably, teamwork was vital in the analysis of the Pike River Mine Disaster due to the diversity of information caused by the allocation of tasks to unique and experienced members. However, according to my opinion, there are different approaches that have led to the success of the group work as explained below.

Team roles and allocations of tasks

The case study required a diverse research approach to ensure that data was collected from various parties involved in the disaster both before and after it happened. Consequently, the group was classified into various sections that focused on specific data sources. In my opinion, this move was the basis of the research on the case study since the team roles were clearly stipulated. The team roles were diversified in a manner that all the stakeholders that involved in the disaster were incorporated in the results.

According to Franz (2012), group dynamics require that the members should have a competent relationship that ensures sharing of information. Personal differences were avoided in our group; hence, reducing the possibility of setbacks that may arise in the process of data collection. The number of group members directly reflected the structural aspect of the disaster. For instance, the contractors and subcontractors, employees and other individuals related to all the operations that led to the disaster (Lamare, Lamm, McDonnell, & White, 2014). Allocation of these tasks regarding personal skills and experiences benefited the case due to the specialization leading to competent and reliable data.

Communication

This aspect is vital for the success of group works in any situation. A reflection on our group portrayed the fact that all involved channels enhanced the amount and quality of data collected. Communication among groups has a direct impact on the results. However, a reflection on my team shows that communication aspects had positive results. Communication among team members ensures that information is perfectly embraced without any faults.

Communication relies on the role allocation strategies (Franz, 2012). Consequently, there should be communication between different teams to make sure that data was shared to eliminate errors. Our teams engaged in brainstorming that is facilitated by communication channels to ensure that there was a similarity in data collected from different sites. To prevent barriers of communication, a common language (English) was embraced despite the differences in nationalities of the workers and stakeholders (Bateman & Snell, 2013).

Franz (2012) says that communication channels among any team will ensure that the data is transmitted perfectly. For instance, information on the number of contractors and subcontractors involved in the disaster varied from source to source and required constant communication between teams to have the right numbers (Lamare et al., 2014).

Lessons for future teamwork

A reflection on the current teamwork approaches has acted as a basis for better group works in the future. Despite the success my team, some changes would be important for future projects. Firstly, a better and flexible schedule should be adopted to ensure that all the information has been corrected within the projected time (Lumsden, Lumsden, & Wiethoff, 2010). Importantly, some data may take longer periods to collect and process; hence, the flexibility aspects will reduce delays. The presence of different roles for the team members increases the possibility of delays; therefore, flexibility assists to cater for the delays (Franz, 2012).

Future team members should be connected through a social site where they can update each other on their signs of progress. Technological devices such as smartphones should be provided to the members to ensure that all have access to the site. With reference to my current team, there were setbacks due to lack of constant communication between the members. Meetings had to take place in offices where it was not appropriate for all the members. Consequently, the need for a website to post and share the progress of the allocated works is important since it enhances networking among team members.

References

Bateman, T. & Snell, S. (2013). Management. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Irwin.

Franz, T. (2012). Group dynamics and team interventions. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons.

Lamare, J., Lamm, F., McDonnell, N., & White, H. (2014). Independent, dependent, and employee: Contractors and New Zealand’s Pike River Coal Mine disaster. Journal Of Industrial Relations, 57(1), 72-93. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0022185614560596

Lumsden, G., Lumsden, D., ; Wiethoff, C. (2010). Communicating in groups and teams. Australia: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.