Conclusions The literature and empirical research on the subject suggest that teams are composed of individuals who work together in close proximity with each other and who interact with other teams in the workplace. Teamwork is an umbrella term which is often understood to represent the degree of co-operation that exists in teams or between teams, but more empirical research is needed to articulate the components of effective teamwork, particularly in service contexts. One approach towards unpacking this complex concept is through the descriptive systems model and also in terms of the “actors” involved. In every organization, formal and informal teams operate both within and across functions, departments and status. This paper suggests that, while specially formulated teams, such as committees and project teams, perform useful functions, management should focus on improving the team processes of naturally occurring work groups. This may be particularly appropriate in the hospitality industry, where much of the work is function-based, but which is often characterized by interdepartment conflict. The proposed model may serve as a conceptual starting point against which real world team systems may be compared. In reality, hospitality contexts may prove a complex but rich source of data. The model suggests that effective teamwork can be measured by individual and group outputs which are a product of inputs and throughputs. Inputs are usually filtered and controlled by management who usually set up teams, but throughputs may be the most influential determinants of team effectiveness. If this hypothesis is correct, further research should focus on gaining a deeper understanding of the nature of team throughputs. Throughputs could be categorized and analysed using a range of methods and from different perspectives; for example those of the customer, management, other teams, team members and the researcher. This research should incorporate the values and attitudes of team leaders and members who seem to exert the greatest influence on team development and ultimate effectiveness. The continued proliferation of teamwork may impact on managerial approaches to task allocation, decision making and control. If self-directed teams become a more common source of creativity and demystification, management will need to take a longer-term and more sensitive view of team development.