Nowadays, group or team concept is adopted by the organization, to accomplish various client projects. When two or more individuals are classed together either by the organization or out of social needs, it is known as a group. On the other hand, a team is the collection of people, who are linked together to achieve a common objective.
Most of the work in a business entity is performed in groups. Although the individual personality of an employee is important, their effectiveness depends on the teams in which they are working collectively to achieve any objective. In a particular team, there can be several groups in which the group members individually help their leader to accomplish the goals. Below you can see the difference between group and team in an organization, explained in tabular form.
Content: Group Vs Team
- Comparison Chart
- Definition
- Key Differences
- Video
- Similarities
- Conclusion
Comparison Chart
| Basis for Comparison | Group | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | A collection of individuals who work together in completing a task. | A group of persons having collective identity joined together, to accomplish a goal. |
| Leadership | Only one leader | More than one |
| Members | Independent | Interdependent |
| Process | Discuss, Decide and Delegate. | Discuss, Decide and Do. |
| Work Products | Individual | Collective |
| Focus on | Accomplishing individual goals. | Accomplishing team goals. |
| Accountability | Individually | Either individually or mutually |
Definition of Group
A group is an assemblage of persons who work, interact and cooperate with one another in achieving a common goal in a specified time. The identity of the group members is taken individually. The members share information and resources with other group members.
In an organisation, the groups are made on the basis of common interests, beliefs, experience in common fields and principles, so that they can easily coordinate with each other. There are two kinds of groups:
- Formal Group: These groups are created by the management of the organisation for performing a specific task.
- Informal Group: The formation of these groups is done naturally in an organisation, to satisfy the social or psychological human needs.
For example: Ethnic groups, trade unions, friendship circles, airline flight crew, etc.
Definition of Team
A group of people who are joined for achieving a common goal within a stipulated period, having collective accountability is known as the team. The agenda of the team is “one for all and all for one”. Apart from sharing information, the team members also share the responsibility of the team task. The team is always responsible for the outcome (i.e. Result of the collective efforts of the team members).
The team members have a mutual understanding with other members. They work jointly to maximise the strengths and minimise the weakness by complementing each other. The most important feature of a team is “synergy” i.e. the team can achieve much more as the members can achieve individually. The three key features of team functioning are:
- Cohesion
- Confrontation
- Collaboration
For example:Cricket team, team for accomplishing a project,team of doctors, management team etc.
Key Differences Between Group and Team
The difference between group and team in the workplace can be drawn clearly on the following grounds:
- There is only one head in a group. A team can have more than one head.
- The group members do not share responsibility, but team members share the responsibility.
- The group focuses on achieving the individual goals. Conversely, the team members focus on achieving the team goals.
- The group produces individual work products. As opposed to, the team who produces collective work products.
- The process of a group is to discuss the problem, then decide and finally delegate the tasks to individual members. On the other hand, a team discusses the problem, then decide the way of solving it and finally do it collectively.
- The group members are independent. Unlike a group, the team members are interdependent.
Video: Group Vs Team
Similarities
- Two or more than two persons.
- Interaction of members.
- Face to face relationship.
- Focus on the achievement of an objective.
- Leader
- Sharing of information and resources
Conclusion
A team is qualitatively different from a group. A team plays a very vital role in the life of the members. The team members as it motivates the members for working creatively and actively participating in the team tasks. Moreover, a team stimulates the members to work for/with one another in an achieving an objective.
The Group is also not less; the group also helps the members in developing a sense of conformity between the members and respect the group values. Itincreases their resistance to change. Above all, the power of a group is always more than an individual.
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As an expert in organizational dynamics and teamwork, I can confidently provide insights into the concepts discussed in the article. My expertise stems from both academic knowledge and practical experience in organizational psychology and team dynamics.
The article delves into the distinction between groups and teams within an organizational context. I'll break down the key concepts discussed:
1. Group vs. Team Definition:
- Group: An assemblage of individuals working together to achieve a common goal, with a focus on individual contributions and identities. Groups can be formal or informal.
- Team: A group of people joined to achieve a common goal within a specific timeframe, emphasizing collective accountability and shared responsibility.
2. Leadership:
- Group: Typically led by a single leader.
- Team: Can have more than one leader, promoting shared leadership and collaborative decision-making.
3. Members:
- Group: Members work independently.
- Team: Members are interdependent, collaborating to maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses.
4. Process and Work Products:
- Group: Processes involve discussion, decision, and delegation of tasks to individual members. Produces individual work products.
- Team: Processes involve discussion, decision, and collective action. Produces collective work products.
5. Focus:
- Group: Focuses on accomplishing individual goals.
- Team: Focuses on achieving team goals.
6. Accountability:
- Group: Individual accountability.
- Team: Collective accountability, with members sharing responsibility for outcomes.
7. Similarities:
- Both involve two or more individuals.
- Face-to-face relationships are crucial.
- Interaction among members is integral.
- Shared leadership and sharing of information and resources.
8. Conclusion:
- Emphasizes the qualitative difference between groups and teams.
- Highlights the motivating and creative aspects of teamwork.
- Acknowledges the role of groups in developing conformity and respecting values.
In summary, understanding the nuances between groups and teams is essential for effective organizational management. While groups and teams serve distinct purposes, both contribute significantly to achieving objectives and fostering collaboration within an organization.
