ABSTRACT
The current philosophy is that good general practice requires good teamwork to provide comprehensive primary health care. General practice tends to consist of both an overall team and a combination of special-purpose teams. Teams and teambuilding are needed to ensure consistency between individual members of the practice and the delivery of the practice aspirations. The overall objectives of health care may well be shared within a practice, but the methods by which such objectives can be achieved are likely to stimulate considerable differences of view among those who contribute to their achievement. An environment that creates and encourages participation can be used to turn this tension and stimulus into strength to handle the range of activities offered in the practice and may help people work together in a significant way. Modern management is beginning to shed the old hierarchical structure and is learning to value each member of the team's contribution.
