There are five main types of teams in the workplace: work teams, problem solving teams, self-managed teams, cross-functional teams, and virtual teams. Work teams have specific skills to perform daily tasks and are permanent. Problem solving teams are temporary and come together to solve a specific problem before disbanding. Self-managed teams give members decision-making power and cross-training. Cross-functional teams include people with different skills to solve problems and can be permanent or temporary. Virtual teams are geographically dispersed and use technology to communicate and collaborate.
4. Problem Solving Teams
• Temporary
• Come together in order to solve a specific
problem.
• Usually disband once problem has been
solved
Example
• Toyota
• Student projects
5. Self Managed Teams
• Team members have decision making power
• Members are usually trained to perform other
team members tasks.
Example
• Whole Foods Market
• Different teams in charge of different areas of
the business; customer
services, bakery, groceries
6. Cross Functional Teams
• Come together to solve a specific problem
• Team of people with different skill sets
• Can be permanent or temporary
Example
• Apollo 13 Mission Operations Team
• Communication systems; providing crew
communication and support
• Oxygen and Power
• Take off and landing of the space craft
7. Virtual Teams
• Team of people who are geographically
dispersed.
• Communicate and collaborate through
telephone/video conference or in virtual
worlds.
• Industries: Financial services, oil and gas, call
centre operations and consulting and
transportation.
