When the challenge is to break entirely from the past, enter a new market, or do something radically different technically or commercially, the appropriate team structure should be one that provides autonomy, focus, and the ability to innovate freely. Here are the types of team structures:
A. Functional: Teams organized by functional specialties (e.g., marketing, engineering) which might not be suitable for radical innovation due to potential siloed communication.
B. Lightweight: Matrix structures with a project manager coordinating across different functions but with limited authority over the team members.
C. Tiger: A team structure where members are taken out of their functional roles and dedicated full-time to the project. This structure is ideal for radical innovation as it allows for a high degree of autonomy and focus.
D. Heavyweight: A stronger matrix where the project manager has significant authority and dedicated resources but the team members still report to their functional managers.
Thus, the correct answer is C: Tiger.
References:
Clark, K. B., & Wheelwright, S. C. (1992). Organizing and Leading “Heavyweight” Development Teams. California Management Review.
Wheelwright, S. C., & Clark, K. B. (1992). Revolutionizing Product Development: Quantum Leaps in Speed, Efficiency, and Quality. Free Press.
