Structure AnalysisStructural StructureOne of the main problems that impede efficiency and prevent the success of teamwork in this situation was the uncertainty with the design structural of this project team. I was more familiar (and comfortable) with a rigid chain of command structure. My belief that we should carry out exactly the orders stated by our Navy leadership created obstacles for other members of the team. Other more academically inclined team members were less oriented toward this centralized structure and therefore did not understand my opposition to their content ideas. As soon as it became apparent that there were significant differences with the team's structural identity, one course of action would be to begin by defining the team's contextual variables. Bolman and Deal caution that within small groups or teams, when situations become confusing or time-pressed, it is difficult for groups to make quick decisions without clear centralized authority or unambiguous policy (Bolman & Deal, 2013). Rules and Roles Because there were ideological differences among team members regarding the exact structure of this project team, my refusal to listen to other points of view allowed the conflict to escalate quickly. Setting contextual variables at the start of project work determining 1) who was responsible; and 2) the way the team would make decisions would likely alleviate any confusion with the team structure. Goals Once again, divergent visions of the project's mission and goal as a result of alternative interpretations of the team structure led to confusion. My stubbornness in believing that the primary objective was to promote the Navy's environmental stewardship and my reluctance to consider any other alternatives... middle of paper... in order to provide deeper meaning to some of the concepts key to the symbolic frame in the context of the situation as it was presented. If I had the opportunity to relive my situation using the knowledge of four-frame analysis as a guide, I would definitely clarify our team structure at the beginning of the project. Whether that structure was a rigid chain of command, or a loosely conceived informal team, or something in between, it wouldn't matter. What would be more important is that each team member knew what that structure was, what each team member's role was, and what the team's overall goals, required actions, individual skills, and leadership structure were. Works Cited Bolman, L.D., & Deal, T.E. (2013). Restructuring organizations: Artistry, choice, and leadership (5th ed.). San Francisco, California, United States of America: Jossey-Bass.