Title: The implementation of cross-functional teams in SMEs: the impact on the competitive priorities

Authors: Andreas Efstathiades; Christodoulos Efstathiades; Hariton Efstathiades

Addresses: European University Cyprus, 6, Diogenous Street, 2404 Engomi, Nicosia, Cyprus ' European University Cyprus, 6, Diogenous Street, 2404 Engomi, Nicosia, Cyprus ' University of Cyprus, 1, University Avenue, 2109 Aglantzia, Nicosia, Cyprus

Abstract: The development of cross-functional teams (CFT) so as to safeguard the proper communication between the departments and the achievement of a competitive advantage is one of the major concerns of business organisations worldwide. The aim of this paper is to examine the management of the implementation/operation of cross-functional teams (CFT) in SMEs and identify the way they influence the competitive priorities (cost, quality, time flexibility) and hence organisation success. The study provides empirical evidence on practical issues related to the implementation of cross-functional implementation teams. The results reveal that the guiding factor forcing the organisations to implement CFT is their aim to satisfy customer needs by providing a value for money product to the customers. The regression models developed indicate that successful team development practices, application of quality management practices, and relationship building among team members have a significant impact on the proper operation of CFT and positive impact on companies' competitive priorities.

Keywords: cross-functional teams; CFT; management practices; teamwork; competitiveness; innovation; SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; competitive priorities; cost; quality management; time flexibility; team development; relationship building.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEBR.2016.081227

International Journal of Economics and Business Research, 2016 Vol.12 No.4, pp.375 - 397

Received: 27 Jul 2016
Accepted: 30 Aug 2016
Published online: 29 Dec 2016 *

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