self-managed teams

[self-MAN-ijd teemz]
nounpl: self-managed teams
equipes autogestionárias
1. Groups of employees who work together with minimal external supervision and have the autonomy to make decisions about their work processes, schedules, and performance goals
The company restructured its departments into self-managed teams to increase productivity and employee satisfaction.
A empresa reestruturou seus departamentos em equipes autogestionárias para aumentar a produtividade e a satisfação dos funcionários.
2. Teams that collectively handle planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation of their work without a traditional hierarchical manager
Self-managed teams take responsibility for hiring, training, and performance reviews of their members.
As equipes autogestionárias assumem a responsabilidade por contratação, treinamento e avaliações de desempenho de seus membros.
Self-managed teams represent a significant shift from traditional hierarchical management models common in both Brazilian and American corporations. In Brazil, this concept gained prominence with the adoption of lean and agile methodologies in tech companies and manufacturing sectors during the 2010s. In the USA, it reflects broader trends toward workplace democracy and employee engagement. The term is particularly valued in startup culture and knowledge-intensive industries across both countries.
NYC Slang
autonomous crews
Synonyms / Sinônimos
self-directed teamsautonomous teamsempowered teamssemi-autonomous work groupsself-organizing teams
Antonyms / Antônimos
hierarchical teamstop-down teamstraditional command-and-control teamsmanager-led teams

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
equipes autogestionárias
Most common term in formal business and organizational contexts
General Brazilian
equipes autogerenciadas
Alternative variant commonly used in management literature and HR discussions
São Paulo
equipes autogestionárias / times auto-geridos
Urban business centers favor this term; English loanword 'times' sometimes used
Portugal
equipas auto-geridas
Uses 'equipas' (plural form) and European Portuguese spelling conventions

Related Words

organizational structureemployee autonomyflat organizationteam empowermentcollaborative managementlean managementagile methodology

Related Idioms & Phrases

taking the reins
wearing multiple hats
self-empowerment through teamwork
letting go of control
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