Abstract

Introduction: Lack of team work is a major problem in civil service in Zimbabwe. Poor team work leads to reduced performance in a team. Gutu district performed very little for the past three years and a baseline survey showed lack of team work. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of team building on team performance.

Methods: A before and after quasi experimental study was conducted. District managers were study participants. A baseline survey was conducted to determine views on key leadership issues, such as convening meetings, managing conflict, planning and communication. Next, a five-day team building retreat was conducted in a secluded area away from the district. After the team building exercise, participants were observed for three months to assess improvement in planning, convening meetings, supervision, and outbreak response. A post intervention survey was conducted to after the intervention.

Results: All six district health managers participated, none of them had been trained in management, there was improvement in holding meetings, and writing reports reduced conflicts. All managers assisted other managers achieve their goals.

Conclusion: Team building has an effect on team performance on Gutu health managers

Keywords: Team building; District health executive; Gutu; Zimbabwe