Differences between groups and teams include that groups have a designated, strong leaders and teams share or rotate leadership roles (Daft, 2005). Groups embrace the traditional organization structure, which has the hierarchical principle that places one person in charge as the lone chief atop a pyramidal structure. Most institutions like businesses, governments, churches, and schools are organized in such a fashion. In comparison, teams are structured where the principal leader is primus inter pares first among equals. There is still a leader, but the leader is not the chief. The differences are subtle, but the outstanding important fact is that the primus constantly tests and proves that leadership among a team of able peers (Greenleaf, 2002).
Daft, R. L. 2005, 3rd ed. The Leadership Experience. Mason, Ohio: South-Western, p. 389.
Greenleaf, R. K., 2002, 25th ed. Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness. Mahwah, NJ: Paulist Press, p.74.
© 2013 All rights reserved worldwide.
Leave a Reply