When managed properly crossfunct ional teams provide flexibility, control, speed, coupled with multi-disciplinary knowledge. To understand teamwork,one must first realize the difference between a group and a team. A group is only a collection of individuals who are brought together for some specified purpose. On the other hand, a team is a collect ion of individuals that have a common goal and as a whole formulate, define, and agree upon their own purpose, then w orks according to that purpose. Groups rely on the sum of the individual efforts to accomplish tasks, where as, team s collectively work together to complete joint assignments.
Teams are committed to communication and collaboration as well as constructive conflict.
People working on teams also develop mutual accountability for the success or failure of the team's efforts. Moving Towards Teamwork Team members must first develop some shared goals and values which will enable them to agree upon the teams p urpose or mission. They must be committed to the team's purpose or mission and work towards accomplishing the relate d goals. Some team members may be part time and have a strong alliance to their functional departments. Some team mem bers may be experts in their field and enjoy the individual recognition that is given to them.