Factors that Impede the Formation of Self-Directed work teams in Mexican Organizations

The most efficient work teams are self-directed work teams (SDWTs). In the United States, seventy-five percent of medium and large companies use SDWTs. The United States has a higher economic performance than Mexico. In Mexico, SDWTs have not been successful. The objective of this document is to identify the factors that impede the formation of SDWTs in Mexican organizations. Qualitative research was carried out with a cross-correlational design. The sample consisted of 32 employees from Mexican companies. The chi-square statistical test was used to evaluate the relationship between the variables. The dependent variable was the formation of the SDWTs, and the independent variables were the multidisciplinary knowledge of the individuals, the empowerment of team members and multidisciplinary work teams (work teams with members from a variety of disciplines). The results showed that only the multidisciplinary knowledge of the individuals and multidisciplinary work teams are dependent variables in the formation of SDWTs. Therefore, the conclusion is that empowerment has been exercised in Mexican companies and it is not an impediment to the formation of SDWTs.