This article offers 25 stepping stones to ease the conversion of a classic hierarchical organization into a network of self-directed work teams. (JOW)

Lean manufacturing, a streamlined system of flow and job shop techniques, relies on self-directed work teams. Technology educators can prepare students for work in this environment by using problem-solving teams in the classroom to work on design briefs and other group projects. (SK)

Area of expertise (AOE) teams are more permanent, self-directed, integrative, and empowered with resources than traditionally organized teams. Using the AOE team approach in Michigan Extension and the Agricultural Experiment Station has improved capacity to deliver educational programs. (SK)

Suggests that training professionals should nurture conflict among team members because disagreement is a healthy part of the collaborative process. Offers ways to encourage good disputes through respect for individuals and their differences, rewards for good behavior, well-equipped employees, and individualized training as necessary. (JOW)

Assess three alternative approaches to interdepartmental integration: the interaction view; the collaboration view; and the combination view, which integrates interaction and collaboration. Presents results of a survey of functional managers that show interaction and collaboration positively associated with performance improvement and suggests…

In one case study, teamwork was implemented in mainstream production; in a second, teamwork was applied to an ad hoc project. The cases show that process technologies and management strategies such as just-in-time are not enough; selection of the appropriate mix of individuals with complementary traits is crucial. (SK)

Argues that some elements of structure are essential if organizations, and teams working within these organizations, are to achieve their goals. Provides an overview of two aspects of structure that are necessary in team-centered organizations: an internal facilitative structure appropriate for each team's specific needs, and an organizational…

Discusses the creation of knowledge enterprises. Highlights include knowledge creation and sharing; networked organizational structures; structures of knowledge organization; competitive strategies; new structures to manage knowledge; boundary crossing; multi-skilled teams; communities of interest or practice; and dissemination of knowledge in an…

A team of learning coaches facilitated an action learning group in a public utility. The coaches' diversity raised interpersonal issues but added a wealth of perspectives and experience. Important components were team formation, a balance of program and individual needs, and group diversity. (SK)

Communities of practice are groups of people informally bound by shared expertise and passion for joint enterprise. In organizations that value knowledge, they can help drive strategy, solve problems quickly, transfer best practices, develop professional skills, and help recruit and retain talented employees. (SK)

Sixty early intervention team members (30 community-based and 30 hospital-based) were surveyed regarding their attitudes and perceptions of teamwork. Respondents were recruited using a purposive non-probability sampling technique and completed a packet of questionnaires consisting of a detailed demographic survey, Attitudes About Teamwork Survey,…

The words "strategic" and "planning" used together can lead to confusion unless one spent the early years of his career in never-ending, team-oriented, corporate training sessions. Doesn't "strategic" have something to do with extremely accurate bombing or a defensive missile system or Star Wars or something? Don't "strategic" and "planning" both…

This study examined the impact of instructional variables on team learning outcomes and collaboration between online- and blended groups. Differences in team learning collaboration and instructional factors were found between the groups and significant relationships existed between them. From the findings, implications and discussions to improve…

Young people who live in rural areas are less likely to finish high school and to complete college than their urban and suburban peers. These adolescents are also more likely to use drugs and alcohol: rural adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 have the highest levels of drug use in this age group. Out-of-school-time programs in rural areas…

Purpose: Although conflict has traditionally been considered destructive, recent studies have indicated that conflict management can contribute to effective teamwork. The present study explores conflict management as a team phenomenon in schools. The author examined how the contextual variables (task interdependence, goal interdependence) are…