Final answer:
It is true that companies benefit when multiple business functions work together. This collaboration can lead to synergy, efficiency gains, and potentially increased profits, but must comply with legal regulations regarding market competition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that companies gain if two or more of the individual business functions work concurrently as a team is actually true, rather than false. When business functions within a company, such as sales, marketing, and accounting, operate collaboratively, this can lead to synergy where the combined effect is greater than the sum of individual efforts. For example, if both the marketing and sales teams collaborate, they can more effectively convert leads into customers, resulting in increased sales and profits. Additionally, when firms combine through a merger, there is often a streamlining of duplicated functions which can lead to cost savings.
On a broader scale, when two factory owners find it easy and profitable to coordinate their activities, this coordination can foster efficiency and market dominance, although it must be done within the confines of the law. For example, U.S. and EU antitrust regulations prohibit firms from colluding to divide markets and set prices. However, within legal limits, coordination and teamwork among business functions can lead to a more competitive and successful business environment.