AstraZeneca adopts a new approach to team building
| Pages | 10-15 |
| Published date | 17 December 2007 |
| Date | 17 December 2007 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/14754390810847504 |
| Author | Emma Keddy,Kevin Charlesworth |
| Subject Matter | HR & organizational behaviour |
AstraZeneca adopts a new approach to
team building
Emma Keddy and Kevin Charlesworth
Abstract
Purpose – This paper aims to look at how Oakridge Training and Consulting helped AstraZeneca
develop a behaviors training program for its information services (IS) project managers. The program
was an inspiration for team building within IS and is set to be taken forward in other areas of the
business.
Design/methodology/approach – The paper discusses a three-day workshop that focused on
developing individual behavioral learning skills and moved on to a program focused on bringing the
group closer together to help develop a team spirit. Professional development days began with a
morning of business activities followed by a training session (developed along already highlighted
themes) and finished with a business round. Key outcomes – project managers encouraged to think
practically about responding as an individual as well as part of a team, to question and practise what
they had learned and how they could use it in real life.
Findings – Attendance to training has increased to a regular 98 percent from around 55 percent. They
are seen as beneficial and opportunities to take time out, share problems, learn with colleagues and
support other team members.
Practical implications – Training has developed a sense of belonging. Teambegan to trust the group
to help solve problems. Team developmentis now linked to core values and organizational behaviors.
Originality/value – Looks at how Oakridge Training and Consulting helped AstraZeneca develop a
behaviors training program for its information services (IS) project managers.
Keywords Teambuilding, Skills, Pharmaceutical products, Organizational behaviour
Paper type Research paper
Introduction
Emma Keddy, project and service skills team leader at AstraZe neca, and Kevin
Charlesworth, senior consultant at Oakridge Training and Consulting, explain how a self
contained behaviors development program was the inspiration behind a training initiative
that is now a blueprint for team building within other areas of AstraZeneca
Many organizations face the challenge of encouraging their people to attend team building
exercises and training. It is approached with suspicion – perceived as ‘ ‘touchy feely’’
training that involves white water rafting during lunch hour in the name of team building. Yet
there is a real need for organizations to engender a team spirit and to encourage closer
working.
For AstraZeneca’s Emma Keddy, the problem was compounded as her team had
previously received very little personal development. However, a behaviors
development training solution has produced a team spirit among her project
managers that she says was unthinkable two years ago and now forms the blueprint
for team building in Global Drug Development Information Services (GDDIS) and in
other areas of AstraZeneca.
PAGE 10
j
STRATEGIC HR REVIEW
j
VOL. 7 NO. 1 2008, pp. 10-15, QEmerald Group Publishing Limited, ISSN 1475-4398 DOI 10.1108/14754390810847504
Emma Keddy is based at
AstraZeneca, Cheshire, UK.
Kevin Charlesworth is
based at Oakridge Training
and Consulting,
Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK.
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