Work groups are teams that work in various agreed upon capacities in order to achieve specific set sof goals. There are three types of work groups which include dependent, independent and interdependent work groups. Each type represents a level of connection that range from working alone to working together to attain the completion of projects. Groups with an agreed upon level of dependence perpetuate memberships that rely heavily on the actions of everyone else to complete tasks, whereas independent groups develop members that focus solely on individual effort. Interdependence is more liken to a team, in which individual initiative and group motivation both foster successful productivity of projects and tasks.

Many factors affect the level of deviance and conformity in groups, such as personality traits and differences, quality of individual leadership skills, as well as the clarity of the objectives being presented. For example, in various non-profit and grassroots political organizations, it is always necessary to make sure that everyone involved is on one accord. In order to accomplish this feat, the various personalities and leadership levels of activists involved must be placed in roles that would garner efficiency. The objectives of the group and the political direction must be met with clarity and and a cohesive agenda, in which all involved are held accountable to their responsibilities within. This prevents contrary behavior that is counterproductive to meeting political goals and community growth.

In terms of the conformity to the group and acceptance of the roles therein, individual and institutional socialization play quite different roles in influencing how people adapt. Institutional socialization would allow groups to become more cohesive fairly quickly while adjusting to their roles in light of the groups said and unsaid agreements. On the other hand, those who are more individually socialized are more likely to be prone to free thought and utilize unorthodox and creative means to solution seeking and problem solving. All of these considerations must be employed in the process of developing successful groups and teams. It is then up to the team to create the strategy, tactics and approaches that would influence productivity and efficiency.