From Chimneys to Cross-Functional Teams: Developing and Validating a Diagnostic Model

This article develops a framework for studying cross-functional teams in organizations that focuses on three domains: organizational context, internal process, and outcome measures. The framework was developed from qualitative data from over 200 individual and group interviews, written descriptions, and team observations. We then operationally defined this model through a set of questionnaire items and validated it through quantitative analysis of data from 565 members of cross-functional teams. The resulting framework provides a base for the future study of cross-functional teams.