International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP) Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) Practice Exam

What defines a cross-functional team?

1. Composed of members from various departments

2. Working independently without supervision

3. Addressing specific short-term tasks

4. Focusing on training individuals

The correct answer is: Composed of members from various departments

A cross-functional team is primarily defined by its composition, consisting of members from various departments or areas of expertise. This diverse mix allows the team to leverage different skills, perspectives, and knowledge, which can lead to more innovative solutions and a broader approach to problem-solving. By bringing together individuals with distinct backgrounds—such as finance, marketing, production, and human resources—the team can tackle complex projects or challenges that require input and collaboration across the organization. The collaborative synergy created in cross-functional teams is essential for tackling multifaceted issues that cannot be effectively solved by one department alone. The blend of perspectives encourages creativity and comprehensive strategies that address the needs of the entire organization rather than focusing on a single functional area. The other choices, while they may describe certain characteristics or functions of teams, do not capture the essence of what makes a cross-functional team unique. For instance, working independently without supervision suggests a lack of collaboration, which contradicts the integrative nature of cross-functional teams. Addressing specific short-term tasks might apply to many types of teams but does not imply cross-departmental collaboration. Finally, focusing on training individuals may be a goal of certain teams, but it does not relate to the collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach that defines a cross-functional team.