The document discusses the advantages and disadvantages of collaboration in the workplace. Some key advantages include combining the knowledge of many individuals, accelerating routine work through team efforts, and benefiting from diverse perspectives. However, collaboration also has disadvantages such as potential diffusion of focus with multiple teams working simultaneously and unclear responsibilities confusing projects. Overall, successful collaboration relies on eliminating disadvantages by improving communication and respecting differences among team members.

1. Advantages and disadvantages of collaboration in the workplace Daniel Bowles, Cari Boyd, Eletha Brown, Dianna Kirkland, Ana Arias-Malone, Brandon Segura

2. Workplace Collaboration Individuals coming together in an organization sharing information, sharing responsibilities, and making group decisions. Teams or groups making products, providing services, negotiating deals, coordinating projects, offering advice, and making decisions.

3. Advantages Combine the knowledge of many Many heads think better than one Collaboration Individual experiences combine for the best solution Diversity of view Diversity gives the team the best achievements

4. Advantages Time Accelerates routine work Balance Multisided view Synergy Integration of individuals

5. Advantages: Linguistics Case-Study Professional Inclusivity Produces Creative work environment Qualified teams generate high level achievement

6. Advantages: Structure of Teams “ Forming” Develop trust within group Set clear vision “ Storming” Brainstorming Develop solutions “ Norming” Implantation of product

7. Examples of Positive Teams Nursing education training program Developed an entire online program Boeing 717 program Changed into a money maker

8. Disadvantages: Collaborative Thinking and the Individual Effects of decision making groups False confidence Unsound decisions “ Social Loafing” Reduced individual contribution Crowd mentality Technology Fear of dissention Ability to tap masses with little or no credibility

9. Disadvantages: Costs, Decision Cycles, and Diffusion of Focus Hidden Costs of Collaboration Informal networks Globalization Lengthy Decision Cycles Multiple teams simultaneously Management competition for team resources Diffusion of Focus Multiple teams with little or no direction Lack of individual engagement

10. Disadvantages:Time Consuming Globally working across time zones Personal contact reduced Availability Critical Deadlines More opinions Team members alienated

11. Disadvantages: Ambiguous Responsibilities Creates Confusion Unclear purpose of tasks Inadequate communication

12. Disadvantages:Diversity Among Members Language Barriers Written & verbal communication Information Interpretation Noise Psychological make-up Various backgrounds Predispositions

13. Workplace Collaboration Successful collaboration relies on elimination of the disadvantages Teams and groups are the norm in organizations but not without problems Combining one’s personal, cultural, and organizational values improves collaboration in today’s global setting

14. References References Bergiel, B., Bergiel, E., & Balsmeier, P. (2008). Nature of virtual teams: A summary of their advantages and disadvantages. Management Research News , 31 (2), 99-110. Chapman, L. (2008, October). Effective teamwork. Nursing Management - UK , 15 (6), 18-21. Retrieved March 11, 2009, from Business Source Complete database Cudney, A., & Van Tuyle, L. (2001). A fine line on the front line. Nursing Management , 32 (6), 34. Freedman, D. (2006, September). Collaboration is the hottest buzzword in business today. Too bad it doesn't work. Inc , 28 (9), 61-62. Retrieved March 11, 2009, from MasterFILE Premier database. Kezsborn, D. (1989). Managing the chaos: Conflict among project teams. American Association of Cost Engineers , 9. Kibrik, A. (2006, June). Collective field work: Advantages or disadvantages?. Studies in Language, 30(2), 259-279. Retrieved March 15, 2009, from Communication & Mass Media Complete database. McLean, J. (2007). Managing Global Virtual Teams. Management Matters , 16. Organizational Behavior, Tenth Edition, by Stephen P. Robbins. Published by Prentice- Hall, Inc. an imprint of Pearson Education, Inc. Copyright © 2003 by Pearson Education, Inc. Chapters 8 and 9 In Today’s Process Driven Workplace, Collaboration is King Copyright Arizona Board of Regents. Retrieved from http://knowledge.wpcarey.asu.edu/article.cfm?articleid=1609 March 14 th 2009