Differences Between Groups and Teams
Differences Between Groups and Teams
Michael Crook
University Of Phoenix
7/4/11
MGT/307
Geri Markley
Differences Between Groups and Teams
Throughout the world people gather in many different places for many different events and many different occasions. The words groups and teams are very similar, but they are not the same. This is especially prevalent when the business environment is involved. In this paper the difference between groups and teams will be described. Also we will take a look at the importance of workplace diversity in the organization, and how it relates to team functions in the workplace.
Groups
A group is defined as two or more individuals, interacting and interdependent, who have come together to achieve particular objectives. Groups can be either formal or informal (Robbins & Judge, 2009). Formal groups are defined by the structure of the organization. When this happens this allows the organization to dictate the tasks that are to be completed and when they are to be completed. Also in formal groups each member is to have same mindset of the other and that is working together to complete a common goal. On the other hand an informal group is an alliance of counterparts that is not organized and also it is not structured in a formal matter. The need for social contact is the main basis involved in the non organization of an informal group. An example of an informal group would be when Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, three of the NBA’s all time greats sit down to talk and reminisce on the times of the past. Interacting with other people from different backgrounds and fields ultimately help develop the behaviors and performance of each individual in the long term. It’s possible to further sub classify groups as command, task, interest, or friendship groups. Command and task groups are dictated by formal organization, whereas interest and friendship
Michael Crook
University Of Phoenix
7/4/11
MGT/307
Geri Markley
Differences Between Groups and Teams
Throughout the world people gather in many different places for many different events and many different occasions. The words groups and teams are very similar, but they are not the same. This is especially prevalent when the business environment is involved. In this paper the difference between groups and teams will be described. Also we will take a look at the importance of workplace diversity in the organization, and how it relates to team functions in the workplace.
Groups
A group is defined as two or more individuals, interacting and interdependent, who have come together to achieve particular objectives. Groups can be either formal or informal (Robbins & Judge, 2009). Formal groups are defined by the structure of the organization. When this happens this allows the organization to dictate the tasks that are to be completed and when they are to be completed. Also in formal groups each member is to have same mindset of the other and that is working together to complete a common goal. On the other hand an informal group is an alliance of counterparts that is not organized and also it is not structured in a formal matter. The need for social contact is the main basis involved in the non organization of an informal group. An example of an informal group would be when Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, three of the NBA’s all time greats sit down to talk and reminisce on the times of the past. Interacting with other people from different backgrounds and fields ultimately help develop the behaviors and performance of each individual in the long term. It’s possible to further sub classify groups as command, task, interest, or friendship groups. Command and task groups are dictated by formal organization, whereas interest and friendship