Which term describes training an employee to do work that is not normally part of his or her position?

• A. Coordinating
• B. Cross-training
• C. Departmental (team) goal
• D. Cross-functional teams

Answer: (B)

Cross-training is the practice of teaching employees to perform tasks outside their normal duties. In hospitality, this means training a person to handle responsibilities beyond their usual role, which builds flexibility and coverage when staff are needed in different areas or when someone is absent. This approach helps the operation run smoothly because workers understand multiple functions and can step in as needed. Coordinating focuses on organizing activities and people, not expanding an individual’s tasks. A departmental goal is simply the objective a department aims to achieve, not a training activity. Cross-functional teams describe a group from different departments working together on a project, which is about team composition and collaboration rather than training an employee to do extra duties.