A Conceptualization of the Functions and Roles of Formalized Selling and Buying Teams

Abstract

In today's ever-changing business environment, teamwork has emerged as a requirement for success. As industry faces this paradigm shift, a formal team structure is emerging that goes beyond that proposed by previous selling/buying center researchers. Accordingly, a conceptualization of the functions and roles of these formalized selling and buying teams is proposed as a starting point for future investigations. The movement toward formal self-directed teams is explored, updated definitions of the selling and buying teams are proposed, and the functions and roles of each team are reviewed. Key constructs and organizational implications also are discussed.