Спортивная команда как малая группа. Часть 1

Abstract

The author discusses personnel management issues, drawing on the example of studying a sports team as a small group. Along with the background of the «small group» concept the author presents evidence that a sports team meets all major features of a small group, thus making it possible to enhance sports team functionality through considering and utilizing effects, inherent to a small group. The problem of formal and informal groups within sports teams is especially emphasized. It is pointed out that in studying personnel management problems it is helpful to consider experience, related to shaping and managing sports teams. This experience is invaluable due to the fact, that in sports any idea implemented in practice, is immediately translated into the sports team’s score, which makes it possible to impartially and promptly assess the validity of a coorespondent idea. This is especially true in regard to team sports, such as football. Since each sports team consists of several small groups, in order to maximize its functionality one should gain deep understanding of peculiarities related to formal and informal groups forming and dynamics. Both types of groups — formal and informal — can be found in any sports team. Both types are of importance to the team functionality and both affect the team functionality. The team achieves the highest effectiveness, when its size is relevant to its goals. The team should be composed of individuals with differing character traits and whose norms and values are conducive to achieving the organizational goals. Moreover, of great importance is the task of forging the team spirit and the atmosphere with the healthy level of proneness to conflicts and with the lack of dominance on part of team members, enjoying higher positions. Among challenges, hindering team building process, are such severe obstacles, as overall inefficiency of performance arrangements, poor morale and mental determination or inadequate level of professionalism. It takes much time and efforts on part of all those involved to shape and manage small groups and/or sports teams.