The Perception and Reality of Student and Workplace Teams

This paper presents a study of characteristics of effective teams in classrooms and in the workplace. First, it looks at research identifying the characteristics of high-performing teams within organizations. Then, it presents a study of students' perceptions of effective teams as they enter the integrated marketing communications campaigns class at a major urban university, then again as they leave the campaigns class. Changes in perceptions are identified and discussed. Finally, it makes recommendations regarding how faculty members can sensitize their students early in the semester about the characteristics of high-performing teams and facilitate positive behavior in teams.