Semester 1 2026 - DUE 24 April 2026; 100% Correct
solutions and explanations.
QUESTION ONE
a) Critical evaluation and explanation of why the team is not performing well
with reference to Belbin’s team roles model
The Belbin Team Roles Model, developed by Meredith Belbin, suggests that
effective teams consist of individuals who perform different behavioural roles that
complement one another. According to this model, there are nine team roles: Plant,
Resource Investigator, Coordinator, Shaper, Monitor Evaluator, Teamworker,
Implementer, Completer Finisher, and Specialist. Each role contributes unique
strengths to a team, but each also has allowable weaknesses. When a team lacks
balance in these roles or when certain roles dominate, team performance can decline.
In the scenario presented, several factors explain why the team is not performing
effectively despite John’s belief that he created a balanced team.
One major issue is the duplication of the Completer Finisher role. The team leader
is a Completer Finisher, and the draftsperson is also identified as a second Completer
Finisher. According to Belbin’s theory, Completer Finishers are detail-oriented
individuals who focus strongly on accuracy, deadlines, and quality control. They are
highly conscientious and tend to identify errors or weaknesses in work. While this role
is essential for ensuring quality output, having two individuals performing the same
role may lead to excessive focus on perfectionism and criticism of other team
members’ work. This situation can slow progress because too much time may be spent
correcting details rather than moving the project forward. It may also create tension
within the team, particularly with the designers who are responsible for generating
creative ideas.
Another problem relates to the potential clash between the Completer Finisher role
and the Plant role. Designer 1 has been identified as a Plant. Plants are creative
individuals who generate innovative ideas and solutions to complex problems. They
tend to think independently and may prefer working without excessive restrictions.
However, Plants sometimes overlook practical details or may not communicate their
ideas clearly to others. When a Plant works under a Completer Finisher who
constantly focuses on errors and precision, the creative process may be hindered. The
team leader’s strong focus on perfection and deadlines may therefore suppress the
creative contributions of the Plant, causing frustration and conflict.