The Importance Of Formal Groups In A Racing Team

Being a part of a team can be a very good experience. There are many teams that one may be involved in throughout their lives. Some of these include, sports teams, virtual teams and even corporate teams. Being apart of a racing car team is no different than other teams. Each person has to learn how to work together to have an effectively functioning team. There are many different people/groups that make up a racing car team. There are mechanics, engineers, pit crew members and the driver to name a few. Every person’s job is essential for the team to be successful. Although there are many members of the team who work behind the scenes such as the fabricators and engine assemblers, their jobs are still essential and should not be overlooked.

Formal teams are created to serve a specific purpose. They may be delegated to solve and fix certain tasks pertaining to the race car. Thus, formal groups within a racing team could be the pit crew members, the engineers who are specialized to design certain areas and mechanics. According to Uhl-Bien, Schermerhorn and Osborn (2014), “informal groups emerge and coexist as a shadow to the formal structure and without any assigned purpose or official endorsement” (p.143). Therefore, they are not recognized by the organization. This type of group may be influences by social means. Therefore, interest and friendship groups are examples. There are times where mechanics would go out for lunch with each other and this could be an example of an informal group. Both formal and informal groups play a role towards a winning season for the team. It is essential for everyone to work together and form bonds with each other. When a team communicates well with each other, respect and motivate each other and have a good relationship with each other, productivity will increase and so will performance. By being aware of each other’s skills and character, there will less likely be conflicts on the job which will further boost performance and eventually

However, I believe that some of these decision approaches are used more than others. There are many aspects of racing car teams. Most often times, decisions have to be made fast. Expertise has to be given. This is a sport where people lives are potentially at risk. I believe that authority rule is significantly present in this sport. However, everyone opinions are not overlooked. For example, a driver has to tell the car chief if something is wrong with the way the car runs. Therefore, the car chief will fix the problems along with the other mechanics. Therefore, although everyone may not be the primary decision makers, their opinions are still important for the team to succeed. The engineers may come to a majority rule on how something should be built. Therefore, different situations mean different decision