Exam 12: Making Teams Work: What Can I Do

Correct Answer:

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Teams and groups are both collections of individuals who work together, but they differ in several key aspects related to purpose, cohesion, interdependence, and identity.

Purpose:
- Teams are formed with a specific goal or project in mind. They are task-oriented and focused on achieving a common objective. The success of the team is measured by whether they accomplish their shared goals.
- Groups, on the other hand, might not have a shared goal or a specific project. They can be formed for various reasons, such as sharing information, interests, or characteristics. The purpose of a group can be more about support or discussion rather than task completion.

Cohesion:
- Teams typically have a stronger sense of cohesion and unity. Members are selected based on their complementary skills and are expected to collaborate closely to achieve the team's objectives.
- Groups may have less cohesion, as the individuals in a group may not be as interdependent or may not need to work as closely together. Group members might come together for social reasons or to share common interests without the necessity for tight-knit collaboration.

Interdependence:
- In a team, members are interdependent, meaning the work of one member affects the performance of the others. There is often a high level of collaboration and coordination required, with members relying on each other to fulfill their roles.
- In a group, members may operate more independently. While they may come together to discuss or share, their tasks and responsibilities are often not as interconnected.

Identity:
- Teams usually develop a strong collective identity. Members often identify themselves as part of the team, and there is a sense of pride and loyalty associated with team membership.
- Groups may have a looser collective identity. While members may identify with the group to some extent, the sense of belonging is typically not as pronounced as it is within a team.

Roles and Leadership:
- Teams often have clearly defined roles for each member, with leadership either assigned or emergent based on the skills and qualities of the team members. The structure is designed to facilitate the achievement of the team's goals.
- Groups may have less formalized roles and leadership structures. Leadership can be more fluid, and roles may not be as specialized or defined.

In summary, while both teams and groups consist of individuals coming together, teams are generally more structured, goal-oriented, and interdependent, with a strong collective identity and cohesion. Groups can be more informal, with members possibly sharing interests or information but not necessarily working together towards a common objective.