Groups and Teams Paper

Groups and Teams Paper
In this paper I will explain the differences between a group and a team.   This paper will include an examination of workplace diversity in an organization and how it relates to team dynamics in the workplace.
Defining Group and Team
Before discussing the differences between a group and a team the terms must first be defined. The definition of a group is a collection of individuals who have regular contact and frequent interaction, mutual influence, common feeling of camaraderie, and who work together to achieve a common set of goals (Business Dictionary, 2010).  
The definition of a team is a group of people with a full set of complementary skills required to complete a task, job, or project.   Team members operate with a high degree of interdependence, share authority and responsibility of self-management, are accountable for the collective performance, and work toward a common goal and shared rewards (Business Dictionary, 2010).
Differences between Groups and Teams
A team becomes more than just a group of people when a strong sense of mutual commitment creates synergy, thus generating performance greater than the sum of the performance of its individual members (Business Dictionary, 2010). In a group, members think they are grouped for administrative purposes only. In a team, members recognize their independence and understand both personal and team goals are best accomplished with mutual support. In a group, members tend to focus on themselves because they are not sufficiently involved in planning the unit's objectives. They approach their job simply as a hired hand. In a team, members have a sense of ownership of their jobs and department because they are committed to common goals that they helped establish.
In a group, members are told what to do without being asked what the best approach would be. Suggestion and creativity are not encouraged. In a team, members contribute to the organization's success by applying their unique...