What is one advantage of a self-managed work team?

A self-managed work team is characterized by a high level of autonomy, which allows team members to operate without the need for constant supervision. This independence can lead to several advantages, fostering an environment where members take ownership of their tasks and responsibilities, encouraging motivation and engagement. With less need for direct oversight, organizations can also allocate managerial resources more efficiently, allowing leaders to focus on strategic initiatives rather than micromanagement.

In addition to the inherent benefits of autonomy and empowerment, self-managed teams often cultivate a sense of collaboration and cohesion among members. When individuals are entrusted with managing their work, they are more likely to develop strong interpersonal relationships, which can enhance communication, create diverse perspectives in problem-solving, and drive collective accountability for outcomes. These dynamics generally contribute to increased innovation and adaptability within the team, aligning with the goals of many modern organizations.

The other choices do not highlight the true essence of self-managed teams. For instance, claiming that they have less responsibility contradicts the nature of self-management, as members are expected to assume greater accountability for their work. Relying heavily on external oversight also undermines the core principle of self-management, and suggesting that they are always more productive than supervised teams is an oversimplification, as productivity can vary based on