> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://isubasinghe.gitbook.io/isithas-wiki/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://isubasinghe.gitbook.io/isithas-wiki/software_engineering/management/individuals_and_motivation/team_structures.md).

# Team structures

## Basic idea

How a team is organised internally. Two ends of the spectrum: *controlled centralised* (vertical, one leader, sub-teams) and *self-organising / scrum* (horizontal, peer-coordinated). The right choice depends on novelty and predictability of the work.

## Key facts

* Controlled centralised: leader directs, vertical comms, scales hierarchically.
* Scrum team: cross-functional, self-organising, small (5-9 people).
* Other variants: feature teams, component teams, matrix.

Controlled centralised

* Leader coordinates tasks and directs work
* Communication and control are vertical
* Sub teams with leaders to direct and guide sub groups

Scrum team

* Used in agile