Targeting Areas of Improvement in Intra-Group Dynamics using a Participative Approach - a Case Study

Intra-group dynamics is a major factor influencing team performance. In fact, it has been cited as one of the major differences between performing and non-performing teams. Although lot of effort has been made to understand intra-group dynamics there is no fixed rule on how to improve it. We suggest that improvement of team dynamics is a context dependent subject and best results can only be achieved through team participation. This paper is a result of a study done at Schlumberger Oilfield Services to assess the intra-group dynamics of an R&D team. We first assess the intra-group dynamics level of the team through a questionnaire survey based on 7 pre-defined parameters. The survey was based on a Likert scale measurement and internal consistency of the survey was measured by calculating Cronbach's alpha for it. We confirm the findings through team members' perception of the 7 parameters and try to find measures of improving intra-group dynamics within the team through personal interviews and brain storming. Our hypothesis is that the team will be more dedicated to these measures because of their participation in the process.