A study examined the problems encountered when organizations adopt management strategies based on teamwork and total quality management (TQM) and the effectiveness of training in avoiding such problems. Survey instruments were mailed to 85 individuals involved in implementing work teams at 85 companies in 4 Missouri cities; 23 responses (27.1% response rate) were received. Of the respondents, 87% reported uncertainty and/or fear of the changes being implemented and more than 40% reported that employees (especially supervisors) were reluctant to accept teamwork- and TQM-based approaches. Nearly 40% of the respondents used at least five of the following types of training to facilitate organizational change: conflict resolution, communication skills, team decision making, problem identification, problem analysis, and use of TQM tools. It was recommended that organizations adopting teamwork- and TQM-based approaches take the following steps: (1) provide all employees with sound and timely information about upcoming changes/events; (2) ensure that managers/supervisors believe in the new approach before introducing it to lower-level employees; and (3) make information about upcoming changes accessible to all employees. Appended are the following: survey instrument and cover letter, sample data analysis, possible data correlations, and lists of potential problems/benefits of teamwork-based approaches.) Contains 27 references. (MN)