Arguably, many people use the word group and team interchangeably. In the real sense, there are various differences between the two concepts in the real world. As a matter of fact, it is essential to comprehend the fundamental differences that exist between groups and teams. Understanding of these concepts will help in developing, managing, leading as well as participating skills between the team and groups. In addition, in the 21st century, workplace diversity is very essential in every organization. The business world has become very competitive; hence, in order to achieve competitive advantage globally, the organization must empress diversity. The teams and groups in an organization must be diverse in order to meet global standards. Workplace diversity has various relationships with team dynamics within the organization.
In a workplace, a group comprises of more than three people whereby it recognizes themselves as a unique department. Moreover, a group entails individuals’ who work independently with an aim of achieving organizational goals. On the other hand, a team comprises of more than three or tree people who come from various departments of the organization. Conversably, their key objective is to collaborate over time with an aim of achieving set goals and purposes (Schermerhorn et al, 2005). For example, a team may comprise individuals from finance, engineering, marketing as well as legal departments. Undeniably, the strength of a team and group varies. For instance, the strength of a team depends on interconnectivity and commonality of purpose between the members and individuals. On the other hand, the strength of a group comes from the degree of willingness by individuals involved to responds to the commands of the leader.
Conversably, formation of a groups and a team differs. It is easier to form a group as compared to a team. Forming a group entails bringing individuals together with common characteristics, despite the fact that its effectiveness could be variable. A team could be difficult to form since it bases its establishment on complementary skills. Each member in a team has a function and purpose that is supposes to undertake (Schermerhorn et al, 2005). Perhaps, a group working together has a minimal coordination among the work group. In terms of structure, a group is not formally structured. A team ensures that everyone working is held accountable and demands collective performance based on complementary skills (Allcorn, 2003).
Workplace diversity is of great importance to employees and organizational success. As a matter of fact, workplace diversity is related to team dynamics in the workplace. A team working in a united manner in the workplace is very profitable and productive. Perhaps, a team working has various advantages which include increment of quality, innovation, and problem solving skills. Moreover, it decreases the degree of absenteeism and turnover in the organization. Every organization bases its success and achievement of goal on the performance and effectiveness of various teams within an organization. In this case, the team model on issues of effectiveness considers design, process, composition, context, as well as work design.
Team dynamism relates to workplace diversity as there is a correlation on the adequacy of resources, performance evaluation, reward systems and leadership. Perhaps, the diversity of workplace depends on how the resources in an organization are distributed within the organizational team (Levi, 2010). These resources could include administrative assistance, and proper equipment. In addition, leadership is also crucial since the delegation of duties to a team depends on the effectiveness of managers. Moreover, the relationship between team dynamism and workplace diversity comes as a result of the promotion of quality work. Teams dynamism ensure that teams work in unity; hence, developing a sense of ownership in an organization. In this case, the possessions of work ownership by teams’ increases customer care services and efficiency in an organization.
In a diverse workplace, the issue of alienation is eliminated; this is because team work reduces issues of absenteeism. Perhaps, workplace diversity increases the capability of a team. The ability of a team to deliver on its activities and achievement of goals depends on the skills of a team, which include problem-solving, technical, and decision making. In fact, these skills are easy found in a group that is based on a diverse workplace. Since, individuals in the team have different character traits that when combined increases the organizational performance. Another relevant traits found in a dynamic team are openness and conscientiousness. These traits raise team performance because it improves sensing abilities, which adds significant value to a team. Workplace diversity develops a tremendous workplace environment that is possible to facilitate easy learning from different individuals and allow sharing of traits in a diverse perspective (Levi, 2010).
Diversity in the work place does not guarantee high performance. Studies show that a diverse workplace based on race and gender does not perform well. Work place diversity presents individuals from different age, level of education, race, and sex leading to an organizational demography. In this case, organizational demography van be used as a tool to measure turnover from the teams. Moreover, workplace diversity incorporates various issues of diverse cultures, which is based on racial groups, gender, and ethnic (Allcorn, 2003). The availability of cultural diversity in a team strengthens the organizational team on issues of performance and adding of value. The size of a team is also another factor that demonstrates the relationship between workplace diversity and a dynamic team. The most effective and strong team comprises five to nine team members. The size of a team is linked to issues off skills and views that are contributed by members. Generally, when making a team selection it is advisable to focus on diversity, and consider individual preference.
Conclusively, diversity in the work place is very beneficial since it enhances problem solving, leadership, innovation and creativity. As compared to groups, teams are most effective, and its performance is high. Hence, organizations need to focus in utilizing team in achievement of goals. The world today is very diverse; hence, organizations should also adhere to diversity so as to be successful, in the world market place. In order to achieve competitive advantage the teams should be selected in a professional manner.
References
Allcorn, S. (2003). The Dynamic Workplace: Present Structure and Future Design. New York:
Springer
Levi, D. (2010). Group Dynamics for team. California: Sage.
Schermerhorn, R., Hunt, G., & Osborn, N. (2005). Organizational Behavior (9th ed.). London:
John Wiley & Sons
