The guides are intended for use with teams that will be working together for an extended duration. They are not intended for groups whose sole purpose is to discuss a single topic in a single class and then be disassembled. The guides are directed toward teams which would be working together for a partial term or whole term project. Classroom teams with whom these guides have been utilized, for the preparation of team presentations, for team operations in extended game simulations, and similar activities, have extolled the virtues of these guides. The students have stated that in these circumstances, adherence to the principles proposed in the Guides has improved the team cooperation and performance as well as the student attitude toward participation in team activities.
Teams are formalized groups.
Effective informal groups go through a process of development which meet certain conditions. Teams are formed by an outside entity, the instructor, not the centrality of purpose upon which successful informal groups are formed. Since formed teams do not naturally possess these essential characteristics of successful informal groups, the characteristics must be developed in teams, usually by outside guidance and support. Table I Determinants of Successful Group Formation 1. Informal groups come together to provide some perceived benefit specifically for the group members.