| Definition |
A Self-Directed Team is a small group of employees responsible for a work process and all activities related to that process. Self-Directed Teams handle operations and resolve line problems concerning day-to-day functioning of their process. They also work together to improve their area of responsibility and to control and plan the work of the team. Self-Directed Teams work together to deliver a quality product that will meet customers needs. |
| Implementation |
Self-Directed Teams are different from other teams because they have:
- Increased management responsibilities, often as a result of eliminating middle managers and supervisors in order to grant full autonomy to the team unit
- Responsibility for an entire job including production and control of inputs and outputs
- Freedom to redesign their work processes and to provide input into product development and design
- Input into all decisions that affect them, including compensation, performance reviews, company-wide policies and human resource management
- Leadership and accountability by assignment based on talent or rotation
|
| Purpose |
Self-Directed Teams are a by-product of a flat, streamlined organisation. They impact organisations by:
- Enabling companies to respond quickly to changes in their environment
- Promoting continued growth and development of the labour force
- Increasing employee satisfaction and retention
- Building quality into the product by setting high standards, reducing work process steps and improving quality
- Increasing customer focus by employing the customer as the focus for motivation
|
