Group structure dimensions include group type, size, composition, leadership, and objectives. Group types are formal or informal, functional or cross-functional, and command or task. Formal groups, such as departments and their smaller subparts, are created by an organization as part of its formal structure. Informal groups are not created by the organization as part of the formal structure.

The members of cross-functional, or horizontal, groups come from different areas and possibly different levels of an organization, and they are on the increase largely because they help specialized departments understand and coordinate. Companies create lots of small teams, but they have to link them to have a common shared consciousness to achieve the organization’s mission and objectives.

Command groups consist of managers and the employees they supervise. People are usually hired to be a part of a command group. Command groups are distinguished by department membership as functional or cross-functional. A standing committee is a permanent task group that works on continuing organizational issues. The members of global virtual teams are physically located in different places but work together as a team. Advances in technologies are allowing new ways of structuring time.