Workplace Teams Definitions
In basic terminology, a team can be defined as a small number of people, with a set of performance goals, who have a dedication to a common purpose and a methodology for which they hold themselves reciprocally accountable (Katzenbach & Smith 1993). This definition implies that teams must be of a convenient size and that all team members must be devoted to reach team goals. Moreover, the team members must be jointly responsible for their actions and the results of these actions.
It could be said that there is little argument in trying to make a difference between a group and a team because the two terms are used interchangeably in everyday language. Stott and Walker (1995) consider that some distinction needs to be made. They see a team as consisting of a set of characteristics that crosses past the basic definition of a group as two or more people working together for a common purpose. By referring to other definitions, Stott and Walker (1995) differentiate the significance of relationships, the need for cooperation and the degree of reliance among members as some of the significant characteristics. In addition, different roles such as leadership can be interchangeable. Besides, it is also essential to differentiate between work-teams and other groups of people who are assembled together in organisations. Argote and McGrath (1993) differentiate between acting groups and standing groups. They describe that acting groups are sets of people who perform interdependent activities and standing groups are sets of people who are labeled as a group or unit, but who are not performing interdependent activities.
Working in the workplace has now become a common trait. This “team approach” has become ever more fashionable in firms of all sizes and of all industries. Management think that for many work challenges......
