Semi-autonomous groups application in brazil: a survey-based approach

To survey the application of semi-autonomous groups and teamwork in a sample of firms, searching for patterns, results achieved and theory testing using inductive statistics. An inter-sectorial sample, composed of 49 firms that recognize to adopt the concept of autonomy. A questionnaire was sent either by email or conventional mail, to determine the characteristics of the firms respondents, the deepness and span of the teams´ autonomy, results achieved, etc. Positive correlation between the degree of autonomy and results associated to superior capacity of learning, flexibility, and better information flow; results are limited to the sample, which was not designed to be probabilistic. The instrument used to evaluate the degree of teams´ autonomy has shown statistical consistency, measured by Cronbach´s alpha coefficient. The method can be replicated by other researchers at any other sample. It´s also the first survey specific to the theme, in Brazil.