Case Studies

Case Study 1

3. Ability to work in cross-functional teams

3.1. Cross-functional team work

Country	Romania
Title	The case of employees at Netflix: working cross-functionally
Summary	Netflix is one of the companies that adopts cross-functional teams. Its post on YouTube demonstrates that employees love working cross-functionally. Their testimonials are the best indicator of how good cross-functional work can be for business. Cross-functional collaboration is explained by NETFLIX employees by bringing together people from various spheres, bringing together their knowledge, expertise and experience. The key issue is “work-interdependency”.
Key Issues	Many cross-functional teams are thrown together as a “best practice” but given no clear definition of what they’re expected to do. Teams only work when each team member understands the overall goals and purpose of the team. To define how a cross-functional team will turn the insights into actions. Cross-functional teams require members from various departments and roles.
Description of the case study	Netflix is one of the companies that adopts cross-functional teams. Its post on YouTube demonstrates that employees love working cross-functionally. Their testimonials are the best indicator of how good cross-functional work can be for business. Cross-functional collaboration is explained by NETFLIX employees by bringing together people from various spheres, bringing together their knowledge, expertise and experience. The key issue is “work-interdependency”. They make obvious that people within various professional fields who meet to work together on specific projects have to communicate their opinions using all channels of communication, have to listen the others’ opinions, have to know their roles and last but not least have to know the skills and abilities of each other. So, working cross-functionally means – instead of each team working independently and delivering moderate efforts, to group them together to follow the same goal more efficiently. We can conclude that the success of a cross-functional team depends on certain factors: Ø Highly-motivated team members Ø Teams holding accountability to accomplish the mission Ø Open-minded team members Ø Management to support the teams Ø Not conflicting personal goals Ø Clear priorities and direction Ø Adequate communication Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FiUeG5CJWuo

Case Study 2

3. Ability to work in cross-functional teams

3.2. Sharing information

Country	Romania
Title	The case of Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi: how it works sharing information in cross-functional teams
Summary	Renault Group, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation are the members of one of the world’s leading automotive alliances founded in 1999. The Alliance Operating Board is composed of seven executives across its three member companies. Its new cooperation business model is to support member-company competitiveness and profitability, and one of its most competitive advantages is the ability to strengthen its members by sharing what each one is best at.
Key Issues	To correctly use the right technology and equipment to share information. To share information with all team members. To create the right environment inside and outside the team so that the flow of information is not restricted. To organize the information in a presentable and useful way, easy to access.
Description of the case study	Renault Group, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation are the members of one of the world’s leading automotive alliances founded in 1999. Now it is the 3rd largest global competitor and is becoming the world’s leading generalist manufacturer of electric vehicles. The Alliance Operating Board is composed of seven executives across its three member companies. The Board meets in monthly sessions to define how the Alliance can support each company’s goals and plans, and to address the main fields of operational activities and strategic topics. Its new cooperation business model is to support member-company competitiveness and profitability, and one of its most competitive advantages is the ability to strengthen its members by sharing what each one is best at. This approach allows member companies to acquire the most up-to-date technologies while reducing costs, lowering prices and thus increasing business performance and innovation by working in cross-functional teams. Also, each company share even more of its common platforms and technologies, information and knowledge. Now the Alliance benefits from an efficient operational authority organization and from intensified as well as flexible cross-functional teams. Source: https://alliancernm.com/home-alliance/the-road-to-2030/