Formal Teams: Understanding Types and Functions

A group of individuals brought together to achieve a common goal is what makes a team. When a team is successful, the combined skills and talents of its members work towards the greater good of the organization. While managers often talk about building and working with teams, few truly understand the value that effective teams bring to the table when it comes to completing tasks.

A skilled manager recognizes the significance of work groups within an organization and knows how to assemble and utilize them to their fullest potential.

An effective team is comprised of skilled individuals who possess problem-solving abilities and a proactive mindset. The success of a team largely depends on how well-defined and focused the team's goals are. Although creating a team can be a challenging task for many managers, it is crucial to understand the type of team required and how to efficiently build one. Formal teams are intentionally formed by managers to accomplish specific tasks, ultimately aiding the organization in achieving its objectives.

Formal teams are established with a specific objective in mind. They are designed to address issues or solve problems within an organization. These teams could be responsible for planning events or handling concerns related to the organization's operations. Informal teams, on the other hand, are not created with a specific goal in mind and are formed naturally within the organization. However, this article will only focus on formal teams.

Types of formal teams

In essence, a formal team is selected by the management of an organization to tackle particular responsibilities, usually related to the organization's unique challenges. Typically, there is a designated leader, and each member is assigned a specific role to fulfill the task at hand.

Command teams

Formal teams are categorized into different types, namely command groups, task forces, and committees. Each type has its unique characteristics, benefits, and drawbacks. In order to fully understand formal teams, let's delve into each of these categories.

Formal teams are frequently established within an organization, specifically within individual departments, consisting of the departmental manager and a group of employees under the manager's supervision. These teams typically have employees reporting to a single manager and working together to achieve a common objective. The manager exercises their authority and provides direction to the team over assigned resources in accomplishing the organization's mission. While command teams have limited autonomy under the manager's watch, the manager must not underestimate the capabilities of any individual in the team. Their role involves motivating each member to contribute their best towards achieving the set goal. Some formal teams are temporary in nature.

Additionally, a command team operates within clear boundaries that each member comprehends, enabling them to determine the extent to which they can pursue solutions. Generally, major decisions necessitate seeking the manager's input before the team proceeds.

Task forces

Organizations frequently establish task forces to address urgent issues that are crucial to their success. Such teams are typically assembled for a limited period of time until a resolution to the problem is identified.

Task forces are typically established to investigate issues, make claims, and find solutions. In the context of an organization, a task force may be formed to look into customer complaints regarding product quality. Their objective would be to identify the reasons behind the complaints, examine any potential issues with the product, verify the validity of the claims, and ultimately develop solutions to address the problem. Upon completing their assigned task, the task force would be dissolved.

Committees

Committees are established by management to handle ongoing and specific organizational tasks in a formal work team setting. Unlike task forces, committees are often long-term and may exist for years. Executive management typically selects committee members, and while the team may experience turnover over time, new members are appointed to fill vacant positions.

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A third type of committee found in organizations is the fundraising committee. As the name suggests, this team is responsible for raising funds for the organization through various means such as events, donations, and sponsorships. The fundraising committee plays a crucial role in ensuring that the organization has the necessary resources to achieve its goals and objectives. With their creative ideas and strategic planning, this team can make a significant impact on the success of the organization.

It is important to note that an advisory committee does not hold formal authority to govern an organization and is unable to enforce mandatory directives. Rather, their purpose is to provide recommendations regarding matters relevant to the organization. To ensure the committee operates effectively, management should establish clear terms of service, rules, and regulations for both the committee and its members. This will promote efficiency and aid in guiding the organization towards success.