Cross-Functional Teams Were First Encouraged as a Way to Help

Multiple Choice

Cross-functional teams were first encouraged as a way to help U.S.companies be more successful in the global economy more than 20 years ago.Since that time, which of the following best describes what researchers have learned about cross-functional teams?

A) Cross functional teams are almost always beneficial because by increasing the amount of functional diversity on the team, better solutions can be obtained.
B) Cross functional teams are most beneficial when external communication increases as a result of having members with diverse backgrounds, areas of expertise, and different external networks of information.
C) Cross functional teams are least beneficial when external communication increases because this distracts members from the primary task of the team.
D) Cross functional teams were common in the 1990s but their use in organization has fallen as organizations realized that they were not a panacea.
E) Cross-functional teams are rarely beneficial because the diversity of functional backgrounds and expertise makes it difficult for members to communicate effectively and increases conflict.