Work teams in various forms are being introduced to organizations in both the private and public sectors at an increasing rate. Many work team programs are also failing. The papers in this volume bring together the latest thoughts about team implementation issues by the world's leading researchers. They also address some of the reasons why implementation efforts with teams fail and some of the proven ways of pursuing implementation. This book presents the conceptual frameworks that leading researchers have developed for addressing issues associated with the implementation of teams. Several chapters address cultural issues - across national boundaries and within single companies; several address measurement and appraisal issues; others address training and learning as key issues. The book begins with an overview chapter that reviews the lessons learned from prior team and change literatures; it closes with two chapters related to learning - two of the cornerstones to a successful implementation effort.

Provides ideas, examples, and frameworks for improving our understanding of team development and the models we follow in fostering that development.