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Enhancing the effectiveness of cross‐functional teams

Rebecca A. Proehl (Associate Professor and Chairperson, Management Department, Saint Mary’s College, Moraga, California, USA)

Leadership & Organization Development Journal

ISSN: 0143-7739

Article publication date: 1 September 1996

6552

Abstract

Organizations are increasingly using cross‐ functional teams to address broad‐scale organizational problems, and the potential of such teams is undeniable. Bringing a cross‐functional perspective to organizational problems help build understanding, problem‐solving capabilities, co‐ordination, communication and, ultimately, improved quality and productivity. While the benefits are many, this study highlights the challenges. Over one‐half of the participants viewed their cross‐functional team’s work as unsuccessful, and these same individuals felt less optimistic about cross‐functional teams than they had before participating in one. While it is apparent that organizational leaders, are enthusiastically embracing team efforts, calls for additional analysis to explore the unique challenges of cross‐functional teams so organizations can consistently benefit from their efforts. Examines those factors that contributed to the success of the teams in this study and offers recommendations for working with cross‐functional teams.

Keywords

Citation

Proehl, R.A. (1996), "Enhancing the effectiveness of cross‐functional teams", Leadership & Organization Development Journal, Vol. 17 No. 5, pp. 3-10. https://doi.org/10.1108/01437739610127450

Publisher

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MCB UP Ltd

Copyright © 1996, MCB UP Limited

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