11. A company switched from assembly lines to self-managed work teams. What can team members do to improve the synergy and success of their teams?

Answer: B

Explanation:

Team members can exercise collective control over the pace of work to improve synergy and success.

By exercising collective control over the pace of work, team members can coordinate their efforts effectively, leading to improved collaboration and higher productivity. This approach fosters a sense of shared responsibility and enhances team cohesion.

A) Change work group roles at random

Changing work group roles at random is not a productive strategy as it can lead to confusion and a lack of accountability. Stability in roles allows team members to develop expertise and build trust, which are essential for effective teamwork.

B) Exercise collective control over the pace of work

This option is correct as it encourages team members to collaborate on managing their workflow. By collectively determining the pace, teams can adapt to challenges and opportunities, enhancing their overall performance and synergy.

C) Assign individual roles rather than mutual team roles

Assigning individual roles undermines the collaborative nature of self-managed teams. This method can create silos and hinder communication, which are detrimental to achieving team objectives and synergy.

D) Share information but not engage in collective performance goals

While sharing information is important, failing to engage in collective performance goals can lead to a lack of direction and motivation. Without common objectives, team members may not work effectively together, reducing overall team success.

Conclusion

Exercising collective control over the pace of work is crucial for enhancing team synergy and success, as it promotes collaboration and shared accountability. In contrast, the other options either fragment team efforts or fail to leverage the strengths of a self-managed work environment, ultimately hindering the team's potential.