MGMT 302-ELAGroups versus Teams

Groups vs Teams

GroupsExist for a purpose/goal-orientedCentral communication processStructured relationsMutual InfluenceComposed of 2-2000 people

TeamsDefined, structured groupsEngaged in sports or work

activitiesApplied functions4-20 people who interact with

one another directly

Organizations & TeamsWhat is the purpose of teams in

the workplace?◦Provide advice/deal with special

problems◦Link different parts of the

organization to solve problems/create processes

◦Plan for future of the organization/manage transitions

Types of Work TeamsProduction TeamsService TeamsManagement TeamsProject TeamsAction or performing teamsParallel Teams

Types of Work GroupsTraditional Work Group –

hierarchicalTraditional Teams – Some power

& authority/somewhat independent of hierarchy

Self-Managing – More power & authority/more independent of hierarch

Traditional Work GroupAKA ‘scientific management

◦Individuals perform separately to complete a task

Conditions for traditional approach to be successful◦Same task for period of time◦Simple process for routine

workers/activities◦Production-focused

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qm_3saEo7o

Why use teams? Bring a diversity of knowledge to

the tableIncrease support within an

organizationBring multiple perspectives to

complex tasksCreate jobs that are more

responsive to work environment

Team/Group HistoryStructured/hierarchy -- Military-

basedSmall group/family approach –

Traditional farming/manufacturing guild system

Team DynamicsIndustrial Revolution

◦Jobs were simplified, minimizing advantages to skilled workers

Human Relations Movement/Hawthorne

Sociotechnical Systems TheoryQuality Circles (TQM)

Group DynamicsNorman Triplett –

◦Social facilitationKurt Lewin –

◦Group dynamics/Action research Social Change