What is a cross-functional, self-managed team? Who would serve on such teams? Why do these teams often lead to networking?

Answer:
Groups of employees from different departments who work together on a long-term basis (as opposed to the temporary teams established in matrix-style organizations). Self managed means that they are empowered to make decisions without management approval. The barriers among design, engineering, marketing, distribution, and other functions fall when interdepartmental teams are created. Cross-Functional teams works best when leadership is shared.