Does Functional Guys requires a bit of Technical Knowledge Or Does Technical Guys requires a bit of Functional Knowledge.

Since this topic is posted by a person working in the computer field, I would take that it is related to IT industry. With that assumption in mind, I would say that a technical person will be more effective if he has a bit of functional knowledge. And a functional guy will become more productive if he has the technical knowledge also.

The best examples can be seen in any organization which develops all its systems inhouse.  The development time taken by these organizations are much shorter compared to a technical vendor developing solution for any vertical.  I can immediately give the example of Indian Overseas Bank.

To start with the topic has not been properly worded. It also appears that the word technical knowledge has been taken in very narrow sense as knowledge about some machines etc. Technical knowledge should actually mean knowledge about how to do my job. technical knowledge for an accountant is how to maintain & write books of account. Similarly an accountant is as much of a functional or technical person as an Engineer. Perhaps the right topic should be Is technical knowledge also necessary for people in staff functions?

According to me, it is neccessary for the technical guys to understand more than a bit of functionality before they start technical specs or coding. They need to understand the BIG-PICTURE of entire functionality and where this particular peice of code going to complete the wheel. They will feel as part of the project and will appreciate their work more.