Question

• WRITE A ONE PAGE ESSAY ON WORD.

• SPACING:

- Single-space IN paragraphs.

- Double-space BETWEEN paragraphs.

• MARGINS: Standard margins.

• FONT: Times New Romans.

• FONT SIZE: 11-12 point type.

ESSAY TOPIC TO WRITE;

- Compare and contrast the characteristics of work groups and work teams? What are the characteristics of effective work teams? How are the different from work groups?

Answer 1

Work groups

Group of individuals all working towards achievement of organization goals and individual goals. Workgroups interact to share information. The performance of a work group is the collection of individual performance and it is evident that there is no positive synergy in a group. There is a leader figure in the group. As this is merely a collection of individuals there is individual accountability and not collective accountability. Attainment of organizational goals is the basic objective. Individuals in the group has clearly defined goals and these goals are in par with the organizational goals. The performance is measured against attainment of the goals of the organization as well as the individual goals.

Work Teams

When individuals in a group, rather than being dependent or independent, interdepend on each other we get a work team. Individuals share responsibilities and work collective towards goal. There is collective responsibility rather than individual responsibility. There is a positive synergy. The overall outcome of the team is given more importance than the individual performance. They meet not just to pass information but for discussion and problem solving. There will be defined roles and responsibilities but it will be to help team achieve its targets. If one person, for some reason couldn’t do his share of work, the work is shared among other members of the team. Though there is a leader figure in the team the leadership is participatory in nature. Each and everyone’s opinion matter in a team.

Characteristics of an Effective work team

Clearly defined goals and objectives. Each and every member of the teams knows what he/she has to do. The roles will be defined for each member knows what they have to do. Each member supports one another. Effective communication between the team members. Collective responsibility and Mutual accountability. The members have their opinions and their opinions are given due recognition while taking decisions.

Characteristics of an effective workgroup

As in the team there are clearly defined goals and objectives but each member gives more importance towards individual goal and performance. There is a leader and each and every member of the group looks upon them for directions. There is effective communication and information dissemination in the group.