Final answer:
Self-directed work teams are formal teams of employees who have autonomy over the execution of a complete task, bringing together diverse skills and expertise to enhance productivity and problem-solving.
Step-by-step explanation:
Self-directed work teams are groups of employees who have substantial autonomy over the execution of a complete task.
They are not informal groups, but rather formal teams that are given specific tasks or goals to accomplish. These teams exist in various industries and are not limited to any geographic region.
Their purpose is to bring together diverse skills, experiences, and expertise to enhance productivity and problem-solving.