Read the scenario and identify the $2$ key issues that have surfaced after this merger and acquisition. Relate them to some of the characteristics associated with effective teams.

Scenario

You are the project manager in a multinational corporation that has recently undergone a merger and acquisition. The merger brought together teams from three different countries: the United States, Japan, and Germany. Each team was highly successful in their respective markets and brought unique strengths to the table.

The U$.$S$.$ team is known for its innovative approach and quick decision$-$making. They emphasize individual achievement and are accustomed to a flat organizational structure where communication is direct and open.

The Japanese team values consensus$-$building and respects hierarchy. Decision$-$making is slower as they prioritize group harmony and long$-$term relationships. They have a structured communication style and prefer face$-$to$-$face meetings over written communication.

The German team is detail$-$oriented and values precision and thoroughness in their work. They prefer a clear chain of command and expect decisions to be well$-$researched and logical$.$ They communicate clearly and expect others to be direct and factual.

Despite their strengths, these differences have led to misunderstandings among team members. The U$.$S$.$ team finds the decisionmaking process of the Japanese and German teams too slow and bureaucratic. The Japanese team feels that the U$.$S$.$ team is too individualistic and disregards group input. The German team finds the indirect communication style of the Japanese team confusing and prefers more explicit instructions.

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