Final answer:
Michael's experiences at work, such as feeling underutilized and uncomfortable in group settings, primarily illustrate obstacles like deindividuation and social loafing that interfere with effective teamwork, amplified by diversity and inclusion issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Michael's situation illustrates several obstacles to teamwork within the workplace. First, there is the challenge of deindividuation, where individuals lose their sense of personal identity in group settings. This can be exacerbated for individuals from minority backgrounds, who may already feel overlooked or stereotyped. In Michael's case, feeling 'under the spotlight' as one of the few African-Americans during social functions adds to his discomfort and makes him prefer solitude. Moreover, social loafing could be another barrier, particularly given Michael's perception that group work dilutes the quality compared to his personal standards. His avoidance of group collaboration might also stem from experiences of groupthink, where a pursuit of consensus can override individuals' creativity and result in inferior outcomes.
Additionally, the lack of challenging tasks assigned to Michael indicates a misalignment of his skills with the responsibilities given in team projects. This misutilization contributes to his inclination to work alone, where he feels his talents are fully utilized. Michael's preference for individual responsibilities over collaborative ones might be influenced by his experiences of social loafing in groups, where some members contribute less than their potential, leaving him dissatisfied with the collective output.
Differences in tastes and preferences, as well as work-life boundaries, further contribute to Michael's avoidance of after-work interactions, which are often important for team cohesion. Hence, Michael's case is complex, involving personal preferences, social dynamics, and perhaps obstacles related to diversity and inclusion within his workplace.