Much of the work in organisations is completed through teamwork: people working together to achieve something beyond the abilities of ndividuals working alone. As such, increased emphasis has been placed on an individual's ability to function effectively in teams and, through hem, to contribute to organisational performance (Ilgen & Pulakos 1999; Humphreys, Greenan & McIlveen 1997). Individuals who lack he experience, or the skills to work effectively in teams or who do not value teamwork will be severely disadvantaged both in their personal and professional lives (King & Behnke 2005).

Drawing upon the model presented below, this unit will present the major hemes in the teamwork literature and explore when and how teams should be used in the workplace.