The terms "group" and "team" are used interchangeably in the workplace, with companies referring to "group leader" and "team leader" without necessarily considering the difference between the two. However, there are significant differences between groups and teams, and understanding those differences can help companies develop strategies to make their groups and teams more effective. Also, companies are increasingly recognizing that the diversity that is found in many workplaces affects the effectiveness and dynamics of groups and teams. This research considers the differences between groups and teams, and the role that diversity plays in the dynamics of teams.
A group is any collection of people that share a common characteristic. All employees of an organization form a group that is separate from employees of a different organization, for example. Or, all accountants within an organization or even across organizations form a group. All women within an organization are a group, and all women under age 40 within an organization are also a group. Groups do not necessarily share common purposes or goals, but have at least one distinct characteristic in common. It should be noted that groups can be composed of members who have more than one characteristic in common, such as women accountants under age 40 who work for manufacturing organizations. Groups can be as small as two people, or as large as millions (Zeff & Higby, 2002).
Teams, on the other hand, have a common purpose and defined roles for their members. The sporting world provides a good framework for considering teams. A baseball team has 9 players, each of which has a defined role on the team. The left fielder does not mistake that his role is pitching, and the catcher, does not try to do the right fielder's job. While there is some cross-training in that the pitcher may cover first base whi
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