Types of teams

Interdependent Teams

These teams are in permanent operation throughout society today.  Each individual within an interdependent team is expected to work alongside the other team members in order to achieve their desired goals and consequently to meet the targets set.  Interdependant teams exist within the fire service, as each of the fire crew have to work together in order to carry out their job effectively.

Self-Managed Teams

Self managed teams are directly managed by the members of the particualr team as opposed to one appointed team leader.  Although there is no one person in charge of the team, such teams are still required to carry out the various tasks etc.  that the team leader would typically fulfill.  This includes such things as identifying safety issues, ensuring the overall safety of the team itself, delivering targets and setting specific goals. 

Project Teams

Project teams are temporary and only are in operation for a very short period of time before disbanding.  Each member of the project team is likely to belong to another team on a more permanent basis.  Therefore the project team consists of individuals belonging to a variety of different teams within the public services, who have come together in order to share each of their individual skills whilst working within the team itself.

 Cross-Functional Teams

Cross-functional teams are relatively similar to Project Teams although they are in operation over a longer period of time.  Cross-Functional Teams focus on long term community projects.  A Cross-Functional Team usually consists of members of the local police as well as local authorities.  The combination of local police and authorities work towards achieving specific goals.

Inter-Service Teams

Inter-Service Teams come together temporary.  Members of the team support each other through using their specialist skills and resources, however they do work independently whilst working towards the shared goal.    

Natural Teams

Natural teams are responsible for a particular process within the specific group or organization to which they belong.  Within natural teams there is very little authority (via a leader) but rather members of the team are simply expected to carry out their work without the intervention of a specific leader.  Within a natural team, the team members are driven by the desire to suceed, due to the responsibility they have been given. 

Advisory Teams

Advisory teams exist temporarily, as they only come together part-time when they are required by existing teams.  Advisory teams provide guidance and support for team members through delivering specialist knowledge and providing the teams with the additional information they require in order to fulfil their role effectively.   

Work Teams

Work teams are permanent and operate similarly to that of the police.  Members of the team share a common goal, though manage and carry out their own work independently.   

Independent Teams

Independent teams are a permanent fixture within todays society.  Although the general concept of teamwork does still apply within an independent team.  The individuals who are working within the particular team, fulfil their role independently.  Therefore any achievements of the team are seen to be due to the particular team members` sucess as opposed to that of the whole team as one unit.