Groups and Teams: The reasons why some people dislike teamwork

In the blog last week, we evaluated the ways in which teamworking can help develop improved task and relationship abilities. This week, in the conclusion to this series, we will explore the reasons why some people dislike working in a team context.

Reasons why some people dislike teamworking

There are multiple reasons that can explain why some people prefer to work more individually rather than in a collaborative setting such as teams. Mediating factors include personality, culture, education, prior experiences, and the level of soft skill development.

Perceptions of time management or allocation can also play a significant part in the perception of the value of a team approach. Put simply, what are called the Robinson Crusoe learners or workers not only prefer to go it alone, but resent what they experience as being a waste of time learning to work and then participating in the team process.

Moreover, in the teacher-centred learning environment, studying is typically an individual endeavour with few or no collaborative learning encounters. Consequently, when such students arrive at universities in the English-speaking nations, the process of team-based learning is a mystery. This is especially the case where students are set in teams to complete self-study that is yet another an unfamiliar learning style.

Given that this is a rather complex area, I have grouped the key issues voiced by those who are uncomfortable with team-based learning into three categories as shown below.

Culturally relevant factors

• The influence of cultural factors to create misunderstandings

• The perceived lack of teacher involvement

• The difficulty of scheduling meetings outside class

• The threat of gender bias and negative discrimination

Personal and collective management

• The challenge of self-management

• The problems arising from time management issues

• The experience of unequal contribution

• The failure to balance team roles

Interpersonal communication challenges

• The consequences arising from a breakdown in communication

• The misinterpretation of body language signals

• The constant threat of interpersonal conflict

• The lack of clear guidelines regarding the task

This blog concludes our series on groups and teams. In the blog next week, we will commence our exploration of the topic of teaching and learning with an introductory overview of the key issues that will form basic the menu for this series.

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Questions

1. Which areas of learning may be unsuitable for a teamwork approach and why?

2. What role should the educator or manager play once work has been assigned in a team context?

3. Why is it important that people understand the basics of contrasting teaching and learning styles?

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We shall explore Question 3 in the next blog.