A Brief History of Teamwork

Timeline of teamwork evolution in the past century

Maya Ber Lerner
2 min readMay 30, 2023

In the past century, teamwork and collaboration have taken over the workplace. Technological advancements, organizational changes, workforce dynamics, knowledge accessibility, and evolving work attitudes have all played significant roles in shaping the evolution of workplace collaboration over the past century. If you’re curious to learn how teamwork and team building practices have developed and adapted to the changing landscape of the modern world, this infographic is for you.

Academic research has played a crucial role in understanding the dynamics of teamwork and identifying strategies for effective collaboration. Scholars and psychologists have delved into the intricacies of team dynamics, examining factors such as leadership styles, communication patterns, and conflict resolution. Their findings have provided valuable insights into team building and have paved the way for the development of theories and models that enhance team performance and cohesion. By understanding the psychological aspects of teamwork, organizations can optimize their team structures and create environments conducive to innovation and success.

Social, economic, and cultural changes have reshaped the nature of work and the composition of teams. The shift towards remote and flexible work arrangements, for example, has necessitated new approaches to collaboration and team building. Additionally, the recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusivity has prompted organizations to foster environments that value different perspectives and promote equal participation within teams.

The technological advancements of the past century have revolutionized the way teams collaborate and communicate. From the invention of the telephone in the early 20th century to the rise of the internet and digital platforms in recent decades, technology has become an indispensable tool for team collaboration.

The infographic below reviews these factors, highlighting key milestones in the evolution of teamwork and team building since 1920. Check it out and unlock a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped the way we work together in the modern world.

The history of teamwork since 1920

Sources:

The hawthorne effect and the origin of team building https://www.hrreview.co.uk/analysis/analysis-hr-news/the-hawthorne-effect-and-the-origin-of-team-building/52455

9 Business Communication Statistics That Every Leader Should Know https://www.businessdit.com/business-communication-statistics

The history of team building https://teambuilding.com/blog/team-building-history

How Soft Skills Are Crucial to Your Business https://www.salesforce.com/ca/blog/2014/08/how-soft-skills-are-crucial-to-your-business-.html

86 percent of employees cite lack of collaboration for workplace failures https://www.fierceinc.com/employees-cite-lack-of-collaboration-for-workplace-failures

Google Re:Work - Project Aristotle https://rework.withgoogle.com/print/guides/5721312655835136/

Harvard Business Review: Collaborative Overload https://hbr.org/2016/01/collaborative-overload

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