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