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Types Of Teams    

There are four basic types of teams in the workplace: (1) problem-

solving teams, (2) self-managing teams, (3) cross-functional teams, and (4) 

management teams. 

Problem-solving teams. Problem-solving teams are groups of 5-10 people 

from the same department, who meet together for a few hours each week, 

share ideas or make suggestions on how to improve a process. However, they 

 

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seldom have the power to carry out their suggestions. Problem-solving teams 

are usually temporary. They are often given a problem to solve. Once they 

recommend a solution to the problem, they may break up. 

One of the more popular kinds of problem-solving teams is quality 

circles (QCs), which began in the 1980s and have become very popular in 

organizations throughout the world. A quality circle a small group (8-10 

people) that meets regularly (for example, one or two hours, once a week). 

Its purpose is to discuss problems with the quality of a product, examine 

causes of the problem, and recommend solutions. To be successful, a QC 

needs training for its members and the leader. 

Self-Managing Teams. Self-managing teams are small (10-15 people) 

long-term (or permanent) groups that have the freedom to manage them-selves 

on a daily basis. This may involve various decisions, such as: scheduling 

work, assigning tasks, training in job skills, evaluating performance, selecting 

and firing team members, and controlling the quality of work. These things are 

made easier by multiskilling (developing members' abilities to do more than 

one job). 

Self-managing teams are probably not right for all companies, situations, 

and people. For one thing, they must fit in with the culture of the organization 

They also require a change in the way managers' roles and attitudes. 

Cross-Functional Teams. Cross-functional teams include employees at 

about the same level but from different work areas. They are form a team 

in order to accomplish a task. Such teams are often used for complex 

projects. In fact since the late 1980s, all the major car manufacturers have 

used cross-functional teams for designing new cars.