The PIs propose to examine self-managed work teams (SMWTs). Such teams consist of non-management employees who make management decisions related to their own work. Such teams are becoming more prevalent in the US economy in an attempt to lower management costs as well as improve quality. Two theories relating to SMWTs are those of Hackman (1988) and Salas et al. (1992). The PIs will test these two theories by examining the performance levels of various work teams in order to determine which theory's predictions provide a more accurate description of the data. Participating organizations will include Boeing, Texas Instruments, and the Department of Defense.
