It is generally assumed that business is transacted today ten times faster today than as it was in the past. It is a fact that when cross-functional teams have the authority to act they make decisions much faster than the traditional silo organization. Cisco Systems is known for developing acquisition agreements in days rather than the old model of companies taking months to reach a merger agreement. Cisco's process goes to the heart of their underlying assumptions about running their business. There is a lot more to it than empowering teams to make decisions.
Underlying assumptions are all about top management's mindset.
If you look at most of the leading edge companies at the heart of their belief system is cross-functional integration. Like USAA does, you create an environment that rewards people for sharing information and collaborating. The vehicles that break down the silo mentality are cross-functional teams. They can't afford to think in silo terms. They make this happen with culture that supports their underlying beliefs.