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Understanding Work Teams

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Understanding Work Teams
By Asim Khan
Executive Summary
The past fifteen years has seen a shift from traditional management to the development of self directed work teams. This shift is largely due to specific factors that include globalization, downsizing and technology. Work teams are designed to operate in such a way that the productivity of the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. A well-functioning team can bring out the best in its members through mutual support that increases morale. Designed as self-directed units, work teams encourage free expression of ideas in a manner that engages each member of the team. Though there are challenges involved in implementing work teams, with the proper foresight and design, the model can be a success. By allocating the proper resources and support, human resource managers can ensure the development of effective work teams that increase productivity and help an organization to thrive in the most competitive markets.
UNDERSTANDING WORK TEAMS
In the last fifteen years, organizational structure has undergone a shift from the individual climb up the corporate ladder to an increasing emphasis on work teams and groups. The shift to work teams is largely due to factors such as globalization, downsizing and the need for technological efficiency. As companies expand and tasks become more complex, more and more specialists are needed within organizations. These specialists must learn to work together so that colleagues have an understanding of the role and responsibility of those whose skill sets differ from their own. In addition, the convergence of products, services and technology from around the world has forced companies to work in a cross functional environment for which the best organizational design is often working in teams.
There are other reasons for the emergence of work teams as well. Stiff competition,

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