Teamwork in the Trenches: Who Gets the Credit?

Team collaboration is the foundation of workplace success, but what happens when contributions aren’t recognized, or someone takes undue credit? This lab dives into the ethical challenges of fairness and recognition in team dynamics, equipping students with the tools to navigate these situations effectively.

Dilemma Scenario:

In this lab, students meet Priya, a junior developer at a tech startup. Priya played a significant role in completing a high-stakes project, but during the demo, her team leader, Liam, takes most of the credit. Unsure of how to address the situation, Priya considers her options: should she speak to Liam privately, escalate the issue to her manager, or let it go?

Lab Highlights:

• Interactive Activities: Students classify scenarios into “Fair,” “Unfair,” or “Neutral” categories, match responsibilities to team roles, and evaluate outcomes based on ethical principles.
• Writing Prompts: Reflective exercises challenge students to think critically about their experiences with teamwork and recognition.
• Real-World Insights: A detailed ethics document provides practical strategies and real-world examples of the consequences of toxic collaboration.
• Skill Development: Students practice professional communication, learn to analyze workplace dynamics, and develop strategies for fostering trust and fairness in teams.

By the end of this lab, students will gain a deeper understanding of ethical teamwork, preparing them to handle challenges with integrity and professionalism. Perfect for courses on workplace ethics, leadership, or professional development.