STRATEGIES AND BENEFITS OF THE SUCCESSFUL USE OF TEAMS IN MANUFACTURING ORGANIZATIONS

In order to maintain competitiveness in global markets, manufacturing organizations must reconsider current organizational designs. Team concepts were studied as an answer to this need through an investigation of the factors which contribute to the successful use of various kinds of teams and the benefits gained from their use in manufacturing organizations. Based on an extensive review of case studies found in the literature, a model which describes the process of the use of teams in manufacturing is developed and proposed. The research methodology (aimed at establishing relationships between the factors in the model) was accomplished through a comprehensive investigation of a manufacturing organization which utilizes team concepts. The impact of this organization's team programs on five variables is directly measured: productivity; quality; job satisfaction; motivation; and decision making and implementation. Results and conclusions indicate what strategies are required for team programs to operate successfully and what benefits are to be expected from such programs.