Use of Groups and
Teams in an
Organization
Krista Huey
HCS/370
11/11/2019
Dr Mosunmola Adeyemi
Group Vs. Teams in an organization
Groups:
1. Primary Group: Include family and closest friends and/or peers. Primary groups as those that have
regular contact between members both in person and other means, the groups are small. Primary
groups involve cooperation, have common goals, are familiar with everyone an their role in the group.
2. Secondary Group: Made of a larger circle of people we associate with. This will be associations with
work and professional groups. For example: close friends, clubs, work departments, staff groups, and
associations. These can be short or long term groups and tend to have an influence on one’s behavior.
3. Reference Groups: A group that an individual uses as a “point of reference” in deciding beliefs,
judgements, styles, behaviors, and attitudes. The person doesn’t even have to be a member of the
reference group but may want to be a part of. A person can make their behaviors align with the
groups beliefs. The size of a reference group can be as small as 1 person to a much larger group like a
church for example.
Informal vs Formal Groups
•
Informal: Organized on the basis of common interests or goals, voluntary
membership, not an official part of he structure. “Although informal
groups usually have a short life cycle, they can have a significant effect
on the organization’s current and future operations. Informal groups can
and often influence others’ attitudes, perceptions, group norms, and
communication networks” (Borkowski, 2016, p. 354).
•
Formal: Created by the organization and are part of the formal structure.
Long term formal teams are functional or command teams. Functional
teams are specified in the org chart and are grouped by task like Financial
Department. Command groups are sub grouped into specific functions for
example under the Financial department there is Accounts Receivable and
Accounts Payable.
Group Vs. Teams in an organization
