Integrated product team implementation and leadership at the program level

Abstract

This thesis presents exploratory research that investigated how integrated product teams at the program office level are being implemented in response to Department of Defense policy. Research data were gathered by conducting interviews with twenty participants from three teams representing two program offices. Interviewees were queried about their experiences with integrated product teams relative to issues derived from research literature on effective teams: team implementation processes, mission and structure, training, team management, decision making and conflict resolution methods, and implementation challenges and pitfalls. The research, though only a small sample size, revealed that program managers are consistent with what current teaming literature considers to be 'good teaming practices' in the areas of basic team structure and functional area mix, openness and participation in meetings, and the administration of team meetings. The research also identified practices or problems that the research literature suggests limits team success such as the lack of: team consistency and stability, team specific training, team self- assessment and evaluation methods, and the absence of formal feedback mechanisms. Mixed findings were revealed in the areas of empowerment, team self- management, decision making and conflict resolution processes, and support for the teaming concept by senior management.