Field of dreams: team implementations and greenfields

Purpose – Greenfields are new plants – typically, but not exclusively manufacturing – that belong to an existing organization. They are ideal settings for teams, but implementation of the technology and people systems during start‐up can be difficult. This review aims briefly to describe the origin of the greenfield concept, three decades of research, and recommendations for work practices that promote teams. Design/methodology/approach – A total of 37 research studies evaluating greenfield operations were located, including quasi‐experiments, surveys and case studies. A brief description of the study is provided, as well as information regarding productivity and employee attitudinal and behavioral outcomes. Findings – The paper finds that greenfields are frequently used to implement team‐based systems, with varying results. Outcomes such as productivity, quality, employee satisfaction, absenteeism and turnover are described. Research evaluating greenfields is limited due to proprietary and competitive concerns and the reluctance to discuss failures. Three broad areas in which greenfields are unique are identified and discussed in the interest of promoting future research; these include employee attitudes and behaviors, organizational culture and human resource practices. Practical implications – A total of 24 human resource practices that support team‐based work systems in new greenfield plants are recommended and described. Originality/value – This paper fills a void in the team literature by reviewing greenfield facilities as distinctive organizations for team‐based systems.