Divisible
Divisible tasks can be divided amongst a group and then integrated together. This allows each member to work on elements of the task that match their strengths. For example, a software application where different people work on user experience, design, code, database administration and testing.Additive
Tasks that allow a team to work independently with results adding up towards a common goal. For example, a sales team where each deal that is closed moves the team closer to its revenue target.Compensatory
Tasks that allow for different viewpoints to be combined. For example, using the opinion of multiple subject matter experts to estimate a cost or risk by taking the median estimate.Disjunctive
Tasks that are completed by choosing one person's work to represent the group. This potentially allows a mediocre team with one strong member to outperform teams that are generally stronger. For example, a school that chooses one student to send to a national chess competition.Conjunctive
Tasks that require everyone to finish together or to contribute unique pieces to a puzzle. For example, a space mission that relies on a small team that each has a specialization. Conjunctive tasks only succeed when all members succeed.Discretionary
Tasks that are self-organized by a team. A team might decide to choose the strongest member's work. Alternatively, they may collaborate on additive, compensatory, conjunctive and divisible tasks to build something together.| Overview: Collaboration | ||
Type | ||
Definition | The process of completing work, solving problems and making decisions as a group. | |
Notes | Based on Steiner's Taxonomy of Tasks from the 1972 book, Group Processes and Productivity. | |
Related Concepts | ||
