Autonomous work groups and the challenge of inter-group coordination

Abstract

In work systems based on autonomous work groups, the effort of different autonomous groups needs to be coordinated to produce desirable system-wide effects. The existing literature on organizational structures for inter-group coordination is limited. In this article, the authors explore two different structures for inter-group coordination, which are alternatives to traditional hierarchical control. These structures are rotating group spokespersons and shared leadership. The main conclusion of this article is that inter-group coordination becomes a major challenge when groups enjoy high levels of autonomy. Our argument builds on a case study of a manufacturing company, analysed through the lens of modern socio-technical theory. The difficulties associated with inter-group coordination have implications for debates on organizational performance and may help explain why autonomous work groups are not widely used in industry.