Company Cross-Functionality Integration [Infographic]

Audrey Willis https://graduatedegrees.online.njit.edu 1m 226 #crossfunctionality

The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.

Making Cross-Functional Integration Truly Functional

Disruption is the name of the game in business, and traditional hierarchies are no longer working for companies with complex projects in a fast-paced market. Big data and other trends are pushing companies to reorganize and adopt cross-functional integration, but it’s crucial that this reorganization itself doesn’t create dysfunction. One researcher’s findings indicated that almost 75% of cross-functional teams are dysfunctional. That’s why it’s so key for teams to anticipate problems and work to prevent them from occurring.

There are several different cross-functional structures that can replace the traditional pyramid structure, including the matrix structure or the circular structure. A matrix structure involves a leader at the top of the structure, but with a representative from each team working with project managers. In the circular structure, the leader is at the center.

In implementing cross-functional integration successfully, communication is key. Each team member must be transparent and the project should have an assigned leader and backup contact so that anyone who has reports or questions can get them answered. At the beginning of each project, the goals, deadlines, and budgets should be clear to everyone on the team.

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Learn more about the role of cross-functional integration in the modern workplace from the New Jersey Institute of Technology’s MBA program.