What is a characteristic of cross-functional teams?

Cross-functional teams are characterized by consisting of members from various departments or functional areas within an organization. This diversity allows for a broader range of perspectives, skills, and expertise, which is essential for tackling complex projects or challenges that require input from different specialties. By bringing together individuals with different backgrounds—such as marketing, finance, operations, and human resources—cross-functional teams can foster collaboration and innovation, ultimately leading to more effective problem-solving and decision-making processes.

The correct choice highlights the fundamental nature of cross-functional teams: they are designed to leverage the collective strengths of diverse team members to achieve a common goal. In contrast, performing specialized tasks is more characteristic of functional teams that focus on a single area of expertise. Meeting only for social events does not align with the purpose of cross-functional teams, which is to work collaboratively towards business objectives rather than engage in socialization. Reporting solely to senior management typically pertains to traditional hierarchies rather than the collaborative and integrated approach found in cross-functional teams.