Teamwork in Germany could probably be best described as a group of individuals working to a specific leader towards a recognisable goal. Within the team, each member has a set, well-defined role which is adhered to. Lines tend not to be crossed as this could promote confusion.  Team members are respected for their technical ability and functional knowledge and are allowed to peform their tasks without too much supervision (which can be seen as unnecessary intrusion.)

Cross-departmental teams can often prove very difficult to manage, as people are asked to make decisions in a vacuum which might adversely affect their area of the hierarchy. Thus decisions made at cross-departmental project group level are often revisited after group members have reported back to their superiors.