Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) Practice Test

Which type of team is characterized by a variety of functional expertise working together?

1. Self-directed teams

2. Cross-functional teams

3. Functional teams

4. Ad hoc teams

The correct answer is: Cross-functional teams

Cross-functional teams are characterized by members from various functional areas coming together to collaborate on a specific project or goal. This diversity in expertise allows the team to leverage different perspectives and skill sets, enhancing creativity and problem-solving capabilities. Such teams are particularly beneficial for addressing complex issues where specialized knowledge from various fields—such as marketing, finance, operations, and engineering—is required to achieve effective solutions. In contrast, self-directed teams typically have more autonomy and are responsible for managing themselves, which may not necessarily involve functional diversity. Functional teams consist of members from the same department or function and focus on routine work or tasks within that specific area. Ad hoc teams are formed for a limited time to address a specific issue and may lack the ongoing collaboration characteristic of cross-functional teams. Therefore, the correct choice highlights the essential feature of cross-functional teams in their collaborative dynamic, combining various areas of expertise.