Impact of Teams - Review of Case Study
Introduction

It is important to note, from the onset, that there is need to add the number of working teams at Sanderson Soaps. This assertion is largely founded on several factors. With the company’s gross sales having hit $3 million last year, Sanderson Soaps appears to be on track to becoming a much larger enterprise. Indeed, the company was barely able to fill orders last quarter. The future growth of the company will be largely dependent on how well the management of the company harnesses the power of teamwork to further advance the organizational agenda. It should be noted that at present, the company does not work as a cohesive team keen on accomplishing specific organizational objectives and goals. This is true at both the executive/managerial level and at the employee level. If the company does not embrace teamwork and increase the number of working teams, the Sandersons dream of expanding into other markets and eventually having a nationwide presence will most likely not be accomplished.

Working Teams Change Recommendations

a) At the Organizational Level

There will be need for a governing committee at the organizational level. This is a team that will help in not only the formulation of the overall strategic direction of the organization, but also help direct the mission of Sanderson Soaps. The governing committee will also be charged with the evaluation of recommendations from various departments with an aim of harmonizing organizational operations. Further, the committee will be charged with conflict resolution.

b) Product Development and Production Division

The team in James’ division will need to be increased and have its diversity enhanced. At present, the division employs a total of six employees. While two of the six work in the development and testing of new products, the other four work in the production arm of the division. It is recommended that the team be increased to at least 10 employees. It is also recommended that team diversity be embraced in the division. This is more so the case given that at present, 50% of the current team comprises of employees drawn from the Sanderson family. Also, Sanjay is the only non-white employee at the division (as well as across the entire organization).

c) Marketing and Sales Division

Margaret needs a larger team. At present, the division has only two employees despite the fact that it is one of the most critical divisions as far as the continued growth of Sanderson Soaps is concerned. Diversity considerations should also be taken into account in this...…to the author, “language barriers and cultural differences can often act as a bit of an obstacle for a company who want to expand their business over shores” (Fox, 2007, p. 112).

Conclusion

Amongst other things, teamwork will help blend complementary strengths at Sanderson Soaps. For instance, John loathes personnel issues, while Rachel and Scott have different strengths. It is not difficult to see how persons having different skills and abilities could work together to eliminate these weaknesses and promote efficiency. Antony’s division could be considered the model division when it comes to teamwork. This is more so the case given that as a result of the deliberate actions by Anthony to embrace understanding and appreciation for performance at the division, employees in the Accounts Division happen to be a motivated lot. Alongside the other recommendations that have been highlighted elsewhere in this text, Anthony’s model ought to be replicated across the entire organization. I am convinced that if nothing is done going forward and the company continues operating as at present, decline will be largely inevitable. This is more so the case given that the balance the company enjoys at present is likely to be upset with the retirement of the founders.

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