Conclusion

This article addresses the different types of dysfunctions you may see in teams. Pay particular attention to the discussion on how power is dispersed in teams and how this can greatly affect how well the team functions.

Our review of the growing literature on power in teams suggests that power can have a negative influence on the functioning and outcomes of organizational teams. Understanding why and when this negative influence comes into play is essential for both researchers and practitioners seeking to improve team effectiveness. We developed an emergent theory to suggest that the very reasons that make power great for individuals may paradoxically make power problematic for teams. When the benefits of power become salient (when there is at least one high power member in the team), teams become sensitized to power. When teams face resource threats, this power sensitivity ignites into team outcome-detracting power struggles. By understanding why and when the dark side of power can unfold in teams, we hope to open the door for future research to understand how, why, and when power can become a useful tool for the effectiveness of organizational teams.

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