Final answer:
Teams tend to outperform individuals due to diversity in skills and perspectives, specialization in tasks, and the ability to focus on specific areas of expertise. However, teams can also face challenges like the team halo effect and social loafing, which need to be effectively managed to maintain superior performance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Teams often have an advantage over individuals in decision making and job performance for several reasons. Firstly, diversity within teams, such as gender mix, can lead to a broader range of skills and perspectives. Studies suggest that gender-balanced teams may outperform those skewed towards a single gender in terms of sales and profits. This may be due to a more effective combination of interpersonal relationships, learning, and skill sets.
Moreover, teams can combine unique skill sets where members specialize in what they do best. For example, a group with a baker and a chef will produce more meals efficiently because each can focus on their area of expertise, leading to higher productivity. In contrast, if they try to perform all tasks equally, they may not be as effective or efficient.
However, there are potential downsides to team structures, such as the team halo effect, where teams are often credited for successes, but failures are attributed to individual members. Additionally, teams can suffer from issues like social loafing, where some members don't contribute equally, or communication problems that arise from diversity. Nonetheless, when teams are well-managed, these challenges can be overcome, resulting in better decision-making and job performance compared to working as individuals.