What is a Difference of formal and informal teams?

Formal teams are structured groups established by an organization to achieve specific goals, defined roles, responsibilities, and often have a designated leader. In contrast, informal teams form naturally based on personal relationships and shared interests among members, lacking official recognition or defined objectives. While formal teams follow organizational protocols and hierarchies, informal teams rely on social dynamics and collaboration outside of official channels. Both types can be valuable, but they serve different purposes within an organization.