Teams are categorized into several types based on how they organize themselves. There is no single best type of team, as each type can be a good fit for a particular situation. Some of the most common types of teams include functional teams, cross-functional teams, self-managed teams, virtual teams, and teams of teams.
Key Facts
- Functional Teams:
- These teams are typically represented by departments within an organization.
- Members of functional teams have similar professional expertise and skills.
- The roles and responsibilities in functional teams are assigned by a leader.
- Examples of functional teams include a quality assurance team or a financial department.
- Cross-Functional Teams:
- Cross-functional teams consist of representatives from various departments with diverse functional expertise and skills.
- The main purpose of cross-functional teams is to break silos in the organizational structure.
- They allow for a diversity of perspectives and abilities, which can lead to unconventional solutions.
- Examples of cross-functional teams include project teams or marketing teams.
- Self-Managed Teams:
- Self-managed teams are groups of employees who work collaboratively and take full responsibility for work processes and results.
- They work autonomously without the supervision of a manager.
- Decision-making power is distributed horizontally among team members.
- Examples of self-managed teams include Buurtzorg, Morning Star, and FAVI.
Functional Teams
Functional teams are the most traditional corporate units, typically represented by departments within an organization. Members of functional teams have similar professional expertise and skills, meaning the team is homogeneous. The roles and responsibilities in functional teams are assigned by a leader to whom team members report.
Examples of functional teams
include a quality assurance team or a financial department.
Cross-Functional Teams
Cross-functional teams consist of representatives from various departments with diverse functional expertise and skills. Their main purpose is to break silos in the organizational structure. Like functional teams, cross-functional ones are homogeneous, as their members belong to the same hierarchical level.
Examples of cross-functional teams
include project teams or marketing teams.
Self-Managed Teams
Self-managed teams are groups of employees who work collaboratively and take full responsibility for work processes and results. They work autonomously without the supervision of a manager. This means that besides creating products or services, they also perform basic management functions – organizing, planning, leading, and controlling. In self-managed teams, the decision-making power is distributed horizontally among team members. People make commitments to each other rather than to a leader.
Examples of self-managed teams
include Buurtzorg, Morning Star, and FAVI.
Conclusion
The type of team that is best for a particular organization will depend on a number of factors, including the size of the organization, the nature of the work being done, and the culture of the organization. By understanding the different types of teams and their advantages and disadvantages, organizations can make informed decisions about which type of team is right for them.
References
- https://www.runn.io/blog/types-of-teams
- https://pragmaticthinking.com/blog/types-of-teams/
- https://www.hellovaia.com/explanations/business-studies/organizational-behavior/types-of-teams/
FAQs
What are the three main types of teams in an organization?
The three main types of teams in an organization are functional teams, cross-functional teams, and self-managed teams.
What are the characteristics of functional teams?
Functional teams are typically composed of members with similar skills and expertise, and they are often organized around a specific function or department. They are typically led by a manager who assigns roles and responsibilities.
What are the characteristics of cross-functional teams?
Cross-functional teams are composed of members from different departments or units within an organization. They are often formed to work on projects that require input from multiple disciplines. Cross-functional teams are often more innovative and creative than functional teams, but they can also be more difficult to manage.
What are the characteristics of self-managed teams?
Self-managed teams are composed of members who are responsible for managing their own work. They typically have a high degree of autonomy and decision-making authority. Self-managed teams can be very effective, but they require a high level of trust and cooperation among team members.
What are some other types of teams that exist in organizations?
In addition to the three main types of teams, there are also a number of other types of teams that can exist in organizations, including virtual teams, project teams, and matrix teams.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of team?
The advantages and disadvantages of each type of team vary depending on the specific context. For example, functional teams can be very efficient and productive, but they can also be inflexible and slow to adapt to change. Cross-functional teams can be more innovative and creative, but they can also be more difficult to manage. Self-managed teams can be very effective, but they require a high level of trust and cooperation among team members.
What factors should be considered when choosing the right type of team for a particular project or task?
When choosing the right type of team for a particular project or task, a number of factors should be considered, including the size and complexity of the project, the skills and expertise required, the level of autonomy and decision-making authority needed, and the culture of the organization.
How can teams be made more effective?
There are a number of things that can be done to make teams more effective, including:
- Ensuring that the team has a clear goal and objectives
- Selecting the right members for the team
- Providing the team with the resources and support it needs
- Creating a positive and supportive team culture
- Encouraging open communication and collaboration
- Providing regular feedback and recognition