Differentiate Between Groups and Teams

After week three's class, team A reviewed the objectives and readings listed on the syllabus. Based on the overall team discussion, members demonstrated they understood the following key objectives: Difference between groups and teams, the challenges of effective communication, and the benefits of effective collaboration and conflict management. The following paragraphs will explain the team's discussion in greater detail.

Differentiate Between Groups and Teams

The team discussed the distinction between groups and teams. A group is defined as two or more individuals, interacting and interdependent, who have come together to achieve particular objectives (Robbins, Judge, 2011, p.276). A team is defined as any group of people organized to work together interdependently and cooperatively to meet the needs of their customers by accomplishing a purpose and goals (Yukl G., 2010, p 333). The team also discussed the different types of groups that exist with a group which are formal and informal. A formal group is described as a designated work group defined by an organization's structure with designated work assignments and established tasks (Robbins, Judge, 2011, p.276). One of the team members indicated, "His organization are more of a task group with defined roles and collectively their overall goal is to complete their tasks". An Informal group is described as a group that is neither formally structured nor organizationally determined (Robbins, Judge, 2011, p.276). The team discussed the benefits of Informal groups in the work environment and how interactions could have a positive impact.

The team discussed the common types of teams; functional or departmental, cross-functional, self-managing, and top executive teams. Everyone was very familiar with the common types of teams and very comfortable with discussing the benefits of the different type of team environments. There was additional discussion

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