Picture Perfect: A Task Interdependence and Communication Experiential Activity for Teams

Effective communication in interdependent group tasks plays a pivotal role in organizational effectiveness, especially in today’s dynamic and global workplace. As the modern workplace evolves toward more remote work environments and dynamic work teams, the ability to adapt communication strategies across various job designs and work settings becomes increasingly crucial. In this article, we present an experiential learning activity designed for management education that delves into the impact of task design on communication. Drawing from theories of team interdependence, this immersive experience enables students to identify the essential facets of communication and their relationship with various types of task interdependence. It equips them with valuable skills and communication strategies that are vital for various types of teamwork across different types of settings. Suitable for a wide range of educational settings, this experiential activity serves as a valuable resource for management educators.