Group vs. Team Paper

Group vs. Team Paper

Insert Name

MGT/307 (University of Phoenix)

August 29th, 2011

Instructors Name

Group vs. Team Paper

Oxford's English Dictionary defines a group as "an assemblage of persons, animals, or material things, standing near together, so as to form a collective unity; a knot (of people), a cluster (of things)."In early use the word often conveys a notion of confused aggregation, which in recent use is not implied." (Oxford English Dictionary, 2011). Comparitivly, a team is defined as "a number of persons associated in some joint action; hence, a group collaboration in their professional work or in some enterprise or assignment" (Oxford English Dictionary, 2011).

More than a few difference types of group's exsist. According to Robbins & Judge, (2009) a group is made up of "two or more individuals, interacting, and interdependent, who have come together to achieve particular objectives. Groups could either be formal or informal" (Robbins & Judge, 2009, p. 284). In formal groups, the structure is more organized and the focus is specifically directed toward achievement of organizational goals and objectives. In informal groups, the structure is far less ordered and there is not as much emphasis placed on accomplishing goals directed by the organization.

There are several types of sub-group catergories. Command groups, task groups, interest groups, and friendship groups are all examples of sub-groups types as described by Robbins & Judge, (2009). Task and command groups are aligned under formal organizational design, whereas friendship and interest groups fall into the informal group classification.

Teams are primarily comprised of a group of individuals who are actively engaged in the achievement of a common goal or purpose for which each has personal accountability. Each member accepts responsibility for the results produced from their specific work product. To be effective each member of the team must possess the required skills...