Critical success factors for cross‐functional teamwork in new product development

There is consensus that the effective implementation of cross‐functional teams is critical to new product success. However, such teams face particular challenges because of well‐documented barriers between functions. Furthermore, there is little evidence‐based guidance for practitioners on how to achieve effective cross‐functional teamwork. In order to address this gap, the literature on cross‐functional teamwork was analysed to identify critical success factors. Using a heuristic team effectiveness model, these were categorized into six groups: task design, group composition, organizational context, internal processes, external processes and group psychosocial traits. Recent theory on group effectiveness has increasingly recognized the significance of a supportive organizational context, and this is particularly pertinent for cross‐functional teams. Key success factors include strategic alignment between functions, a climate supportive of teamwork and team‐based accountability. The findings are integrated into a diagnostic model which is intended to be of practical benefit to people designing, leading and facilitating cross‐functional new product development teams.