Chapter 10, Problem 1CRQ

What are the key differences between a team and a working group?

Summary Introduction

To determine:

The main difference that lies between a team and a working group.

Introduction:

A team in a working environment can be defined as a group of people working together to achieve a common goal or an objective. A team can be temporary or even permanent. In the other hand, a working group is described as a committee of experts appointed to study and report on a particular question and provide recommendations and opinions.

Explanation of Solution

The differences of a team and a working group maybe subtle but important. The points of difference are explained as below:

• A team comprises of two or more individuals but in a working group, there should be a minimum of three people.

• The members of a team work together to achieve a common goal or an objective, but a working group may work individually towards the organization's goals and objectives.

• Teams share and rotate their leadership roles while a working group comprises of a designated leader. Therefore, teams may share accountability on neutral terms while in a group, individuals will be accountable for different things.

• The performance goals are usually set by team by themselves after they have been assigned to achieve a goal or an objective, whereas in a working group, the performance goals will be set by outside parties.

• Teams work together by mutual agreement, decision making and active problem solving while working groups work together through means of meetings and delegating.