Title: Teamwork in new technology implementation

Authors: Amrik S. Sohal, Richard Schroder

Addresses: Department of Management, Monash University, PO Box 197, Caulfield, East Victoria 3145, Australia. Department of Management, Monash University, PO Box 197, Caulfield, East Victoria 3145, Australia

Abstract: The use of multifunctional project teams to facilitate the introduction of new technologies into organisations is advocated by many academics and practitioners. This paper using survey data from 132 organisations attempts to clarify empirically the influence of such teamwork through analysis of the statistical associations between teamwork and the planning and implementation processes involved in technology adoption. The influence of teamwork is marked. Multifunctional project teams do expand the scope of issues considered, break down functional barriers and improve the quality of decisions made. However, these teams also soak up time and resources, which highlights the need for teams to operate more efficiently if they are to be more effective.

Keywords: advanced manufacturing technology; Australia; implementation; planning; AMT; teamwork.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMTM.2002.001444

International Journal of Manufacturing Technology and Management, 2002 Vol.4 No.3/4, pp.186-209

Published online: 03 Jul 2003 *

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