Positive Synergy

According to the Encyclopedia of Management synergy or synergism, “refers to the combined effects produced by two or more parts, elements, or individuals” (2009, p. 918). Synergy can be a positive or negative outcome of combined efforts. For example, the positive synergy effect is 2+2=5. This shows the outcome of two units working independently thus, producing two units of output. The combined effort of both units effectively produces five units of output. . Synergy can result from the efforts of people serving on committees or teams. Management teams combine their knowledge, insight and ideas, but working together produces better decisions rather than working independently. Positive synergy results in more ideas and creative solutions as a result of diverse options. Much of the current interest in teams and team building is an effort to achieve positive synergy through the combined efforts of team members.

A negative synergy effect such as 2+2=3. Both units again work independently but, despite their combined efforts the result is less output than what they would have achieved if they worked alone. Negative synergy can result from inefficient committees, business units that lack strategic fit, and from other poorly functioning joint efforts (Encyclopedia of Management, 2009). Many teams experience negative synergy because group decisions are often reached more slowly, and thus may be more expensive to make than individual decisions. The opportunity costs for having a group of high-paid executives spend an afternoon in a meeting rather than in more productive endeavors can be quite high (2009). Negative synergy can also occur in group decisions if an individual is allowed to dominate and control the group decision.

ABC’s Good Morning America breaks energy bars into three different categories. According to them today’s energy bar market includes sports bars which are heavy on carbs, a meal substitution bar and a snack bar (Are Energy Bars Good for You?,...