werkteams

Werkteteams, or werktteams in Dutch, are small, cross-functional groups of employees created to perform a defined set of tasks or deliver a project. In Dutch organizational practice, a werktteam operates with a clearly stated goal, within a defined scope, and with a degree of autonomy over day-to-day planning and work sequencing.

Typical kenmerken include five to nine members, diverse expertise that covers required functions, a shared objective, stable membership over the project duration, and agreed working norms. Roles may be assigned but are often fluid, allowing members to contribute where their skills are most relevant. Regular, structured meetings help maintain alignment and progress monitoring.

Teams are usually formed to improve collaboration, shorten lead times, and enhance responsiveness to customer needs. Leadership can be rotational or appointed; decision-making ranges from consensus to decisions by a designated team facilitator. Teams often operate within established processes and budgets and rely on collaborative tools to coordinate work and track outcomes.

Core roles include a team lead or facilitator, plus subject-matter experts from relevant disciplines. Some werktteams adopt agile-like practices such as visual boards, short iterations, and retrospectives, though not all contexts require such methods. Autonomy is balanced with accountability to the broader organization and its functional units.

Benefits commonly cited are faster problem solving, improved communication, better alignment with customer requirements, and higher employee engagement. Challenges include competition for resources with other units, managing scope and interfaces, and the need for training in teamwork, conflict resolution, and psychological safety.

See also: cross-functional team, self-managed team, agile team, project team.