Below is a table that compares groups to
teams. While the two may seem the same it is important to know the differences
and utlise their advantages in the appropriate situations.
Both groups and teams offer opportunities
for organizations and classrooms, however it is vital to know the differences.
Groups have a strong individual focus and teams have a strong collective focus
meaning teams require individual and mutual accountability where groups do
not.
Katzenbach and Smith (1993) provide a
clear distinction between work groups and teams. A work group is a
collection of people working in the same area or placed together to complete a
task. The group’s performance is the result of people coming together to
share information, views and insights. The focus of groups is individual
performance and actions within are geared toward it. All teams are
groups, but teams are a special subset of groups. They establish a working
definition: “A team is a small number of people with complementary skills
who are committed to a common purpose, set of performance goals, and approach
for which they hold themselves mutually accountable." (p.112)
It is helpful to identify the
characteristics of teams and groups, noting which are common to both. By
understanding the differences between these two concepts we can begin to create
an appropriate environment for each and determine the conditions in which each
is effective.
REFERENCES
• Katzenbach, J.
R. & Smith, D. K. (1993). The discipline of teams. Harvard Business
Review, 71 (March-April), 111-146.
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