CROSS-FUNCTIONAL TEAMS AND ORGANIZATIONAL LEARNING: A MODEL AND CASES FROM TELECOMMUNICATIONS OPERATING COMPANIES

Abstract

Successfully managing project team composition, development, and learning are critical competencies for high-performing, innovative technology firms. This paper presents a conceptual model and two cases of cross-functional project teams working inside innovative, technology-based companies. The cases highlight the ways in which organizational structure, project team composition, team task and technology, project leadership, and context shaped the way each project team approached their task, shared knowledge and solutions, and completed their work. One team, a business process and system improvement team, was charged with designing and deploying a new system, while the second team crossed international, occupational, and functional boundaries to develop an international marketing strategy for a cross-national technology partnership. Following the cases, the paper suggests some implications for technology and innovation managers and team leaders, and proposes some questions and direction for future research.