1. Interdisciplinary Teams

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Interdisciplinary teams consist of members with different competencies and experience, who seek to achieve the same goal. They are formed to increase the sense of responsibility for the process productiveness, decisiveness and reaction speed. When one designated group of specialists handles the process, the efficiency increases significantly.

Interdisciplinary teams are characterized by a non-hierarchical organization, in which responsibility for the effective functioning of the team is shared by all team members. This requires that team members be excellent representatives of and advocates for their disciplines. It also requires that team members have training in team theory, leadership skills, and communication skills, including conflict resolution skills.

Interdisciplinary teams depend on the wise and creative integration of diverse viewpoints. Sometimes those are complementary, but sometimes they are conflicting. The team must learn to value diversity, remain cohesive when viewpoints conflict, and negotiate agreement to which all team members are committed. Building or strengthening teams depends on careful selection of members, interdisciplinary education, and team training in communication techniques and conflict resolution, as well as appropriate institutional support.