Groups vs. Teams

The concept of group development is well documented in the social science literature. Based on this body of work we can, and should, define the difference between two terms that are used interchangeably in this setting: group versus team. Research has uncovered important distinctions between collections of people, groups, and teams.

Groups who join together to achieve a specific task or goal do not always exemplify the true characteristics of a team.

To help in understanding the differences between groups and teams let’s review the social characteristics of each entity.

Characteristics of a Group

Table 1.1. Characteristics of a Group
Adapted from Johnson, D., & Johnson, F. (1997). Joining together: Group theory and group skills (6th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Characteristic	Description
Goal Orientation	People joining together for some purpose and to achieve some goal
Interdependent	People who have some type of relationship, see connections among themselves, or believe they share a common fate
Interpersonal Interaction	People who communicate and interact with one another
Perception of Membership	Recognition that there is a collective to which one belongs
Structured Relations	Roles, rules, and norms that control people's interactions
Mutual Influence	Impact people have on one another because of their connections
Individual Motivation	Satisfaction of personal needs through membership in the group

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