What type of team includes members from different departments to solve problems?

A cross-functional team is specifically designed to include members from various departments or areas of expertise within an organization. The primary purpose of such a team is to leverage diverse perspectives and skills to address complex problems, facilitate innovation, and enhance collaboration across different functions. Members work together to share insights that might not be available within a singular department, allowing for a more holistic approach to problem-solving.

In contrast, a project team may consist of individuals focused on a specific project but might not necessarily draw upon the diverse representation seen in cross-functional teams. A leadership team usually comprises individuals in managerial or supervisory roles who are focused on setting direction and strategy, rather than directly solving cross-departmental problems. A task force often forms for a specific short-term mission, addressing immediate issues but may not represent a diverse array of departments in the ongoing way that cross-functional teams do. This emphasis on collaboration among different departments is what makes a cross-functional team particularly valuable in solving complex organizational challenges.