Three Common Types of Teams in the Workplace

Teams are an integral part of the workplace, and there are various types of teams that can be used to achieve different goals and objectives. This article will discuss three common types of teams in the workplace: functional teams, cross-functional teams, and self-managed teams.

Functional Teams

Functional teams are the most traditional type of team in the workplace. They are typically represented by departments, where all team members belong to the same department. Functional teams consist of people with similar professional expertise, making them homogeneous. 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 (Runn, 2023).

Advantages of Functional Teams

• Easier task allocation due to specialized expertise.
• Operational speed due to relevant knowledge and experience.
• Coordination and control by a manager.
• Skill growth through focused responsibilities.

Disadvantages of Functional Teams

• Segregation from the rest of the company, leading to a narrow perspective.
• Slower decision-making due to the involvement of multiple department heads.
• Limited decision-making autonomy, which can be demotivating.

Cross-Functional Teams

Cross-functional teams are composed of representatives from various departments with diverse functional expertise and skills. These teams work on the same objectives and aim to break silos in the organizational structure (Runn, 2023). Cross-functional teams provide a diversity of perspectives, as each team member is an expert in a particular area. Examples of cross-functional teams include project teams or marketing teams.

Advantages of Cross-Functional Teams

• Diversity of perspectives, leading to innovative solutions.
• Organizational alignment through shared vision and understanding of interdepartmental connections.
• Accountability for results, reducing blame-shifting.
• Development of well-rounded individuals with a broader perspective.

Disadvantages of Cross-Functional Teams

• Potential for team cohesion issues during the initial stages.
• Risk of conflicts due to clashes of opinions.
• Difficulty in providing quality and meeting standards due to different processes and tools.

Self-Managed Teams

Self-managed teams are groups of employees who work collaboratively and take full responsibility for work processes and the final result. These teams work autonomously without the supervision of a manager. Decision-making power is distributed horizontally among team members in self-managed teams. Examples of self-managed teams include Buurtzorg, Morning Star, and FAVI (Runn, 2023).

Advantages of Self-Managed Teams

• Higher motivation due to decision-making autonomy.
• Focus on customer satisfaction rather than pleasing the leader.
• Adaptability to unstable situations due to the absence of traditional hierarchy.
• Cost-effectiveness as there is no need to hire managers.

Disadvantages of Self-Managed Teams

• Difficulty in implementation due to unfamiliarity with self-management.
• Leadership challenges due to the lack of a specific leader.
• Potential for exploitation of power by ambitious individuals.
• Risk of a “tragedy of commons” effect, where individual accountability is lacking.

In conclusion, functional teams, cross-functional teams, and self-managed teams are three common types of teams used in the workplace. Each type of team has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of team type should be based on the specific goals and objectives of the organization.

References

• Runn. (2023). 5 Different Types of Teams & Their Role in the Organization. Retrieved from https://www.runn.io/blog/types-of-teams
• Pragmatic Thinking. (2023). 4 types of teams you’ll find in organisations | Pragmatic Thinking. Retrieved from https://pragmaticthinking.com/blog/types-of-teams/
• StudySmarter. (2023). Types of Teams: Organization & Examples | StudySmarter. Retrieved from https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/business-studies/organizational-behavior/types-of-teams/

FAQs

What are the three most common types of teams in the workplace?

The three most common types of teams in the workplace are functional teams, cross-functional teams, and self-managed teams.

What is a functional team?

A functional team is a traditional type of team where members belong to the same department and have similar professional expertise. Roles and responsibilities are assigned by a leader.

What is a cross-functional team?

A cross-functional team is composed of members from different departments with diverse expertise and skills. They work on the same objectives and aim to break silos in the organizational structure.

What is a self-managed team?

A self-managed team is a group of employees who work collaboratively and take full responsibility for work processes and the final result. They work autonomously without the supervision of a manager.

What are the advantages of functional teams?

Advantages of functional teams include easier task allocation, operational speed, coordination by a manager, and skill growth through focused responsibilities.

What are the disadvantages of functional teams?

Disadvantages of functional teams include segregation from other departments, slower decision-making, limited decision-making autonomy, and potential demotivation.

What are the advantages of cross-functional teams?

Advantages of cross-functional teams include diversity of perspectives, organizational alignment, accountability for results, and development of well-rounded individuals.

What are the disadvantages of cross-functional teams?

Disadvantages of cross-functional teams include potential team cohesion issues, risk of conflicts, difficulty in providing quality and meeting standards, and potential challenges in managing diverse processes and tools.