Competences of the leader in semi - self work teams : the michelin case

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to identify the competences required and the role of the leader in the management of self-work teams, called by Michelin as "Organizacao Responsabilizante" (OR), based on company documents and vision of leaders and employees. A case study research was developed in one of the plants of Michelin in Brazil. The instruments used for collecting data were the individual interview with14 leaders, internal documents of the company concerning to the implementation of self-work teams and questionnaire completed by170 employees from production line. The results, constructed from a comparative diagnosis of data using the triangulation method, show a consensus in relation to the most important competences. It was found, however, the need of development of the competences of leadership as facilitator, guiding and stimulating, due to the direct impact of them on the results of the self-work teams. The absence of these competences postpones the exercise of autonomy and consequently, the effective participation of operators. It was concluded that for the effective exercise of the leader and success of OR's, the organization has an important work of development and upgrading to be carried out.