What is the Difference Between Workgroup and Team?

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The main difference between a workgroup and a team lies in the level of collaboration, interdependence, and shared goals among their members. Here are the key differences between the two:

  • Collaboration: In a workgroup, members coordinate their efforts but work independently, while in a team, members share mutual accountability and work closely together to solve problems.
  • Goals: Workgroup members have individual goals, while team members share a common goal or purpose.
  • Accountability: In a workgroup, members have individual accountability for their tasks, while in a team, members have both individual and shared accountability for the team's success or failure.
  • Interdependence: Workgroup members are more independent, while team members rely on one another to accomplish the desired outcome.

In summary, a workgroup is a collection of individuals who coordinate their efforts but work independently, while a team is a group of people who share a common goal and collaborate closely to achieve it. Understanding the difference between a workgroup and a team is essential for building effective working relationships and fostering a productive work environment.

Comparative Table: Workgroup vs Team

Here is a table highlighting the differences between a workgroup and a team:

Feature Workgroup Team
Purpose Coordinate efforts to achieve individual goals Share a common purpose and work together to achieve it
Interdependence Members work more independently Members work interdependently, relying on each other's skills
Decision-making Members have limited input on assignment disbursements and are less active in decision-making Members have more input on assignment disbursements and are more active in decision-making
Communication Communication is essential for coordinating efforts, but the focus is on individual goals Communication is crucial for aligning passions and purpose, and the focus is on the shared goal
Types Workgroups can be cross-departmental, process-oriented, or self-managed Teams can be cross-departmental, process teams, or self-managed teams

In summary, the main differences between a workgroup and a team are the level of interdependence, decision-making involvement, and the focus of their communication. Workgroup members tend to work more independently and focus on individual goals, while team members work together interdependently, share a common purpose, and actively participate in decision-making processes.