Before the change to teams, there were as many as 60 different varieties of basketball hoops. Whichever one was on sale is what central purchasing bought. Today there are three varieties of hoops and the quality is higher. Work teams decide which brand to buy based on their experience with quality, maintenance and durability. While they may be paying more for individual basketball hoops, total costs have gone down because they buy fewer hoops.
Teams do their own hiring.
In addition to their own purchasing, teams do their own hiring. Today, teams are directly involved with all phases of the hiring process. In this way, they can bring in workers who fit the team philosophy and add skills that enhance the larger organization. One of the more recent new hires had extensive background in horticulture. Though he didn't have the same skills as the worker he was replacing, the support team felt his knowledge of horticulture would benefit all of them.