Final answer:
Parallel teams indeed operate separately from the firm's regular work structure on a temporary basis, focused on specific tasks or goals, and are characterized by their temporary and agile nature.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that parallel teams operate separately from the regular work structure of the firm on a temporary basis. In contemporary organizational structures, the establishment of parallel teams is a strategic response to the rapidly changing workplace due to shifts in technology, economics, foreign competition, globalization, and workplace demographics, which are prompting organizations to adapt swiftly. Parallel teams are a part of team-based work structures which deviate from traditional individual-based structures. They unite diverse skills, experiences, and expertise aimed at achieving a specific task or goal.
Such teams are typically formed to focus on a particular project or to solve a specific problem and operate in tandem to the ongoing regular work activities. They come with the advantage of being agile and flexible, allowing for quick responses to emerging challenges or opportunities without disrupting the core functions of a business. However, although popular, the productivity of these team structures is an active area of research, as they do not guarantee increased efficiency.
Key to the success of parallel teams is their ability to work independently from the main organizational structure while still contributing to the firm's overall objectives. They embody a modern approach to work that balances specialization with cross-functional collaboration and tend to dissolve once the project is completed or the problem is solved. Their temporary nature is crucial, as it enables the dedicated team to disband once the goal is achieved, and members can return to their regular roles or move to other projects.