Cross-functional teams are a huge underdeveloped resource for companies wanting to improve their knowledge base, according to a report from the Institute for Employment Studies.
Launching the report yesterday its director Richard Pearson said: "Cross-functional teams bring together diverse talents, and encourage thinking outside the box. They can be at the very coal face of organisational learning as well as enhancing the skills and abilities of individuals."
But he warned: "They deserve but do not always receive solid organisational support and recognition from senior management."
These teams are helped by co-location, diversity within the team and autonomy in organising its own work.
Ten teams were analysed as part of the study.
