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A theoretical exploration of out-group versus in-group perspectives on the dynamics of team effectiveness

Radu Vlas (Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, Connecticut, USA)
Huy Will Nguyen (Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey, USA)
Cristina O. Vlas (University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts, USA)

Team Performance Management

ISSN: 1352-7592

Article publication date: 25 January 2022

Issue publication date: 25 February 2022

413

Abstract

Purpose

Past research on transactive memory systems (TMS) often treated the focal team as an isolated entity. Previous literature overlooked two aspects of TMS: its existence beyond the boundaries of the focal team (further referred to as out-group TMS) and the way the out-group TMS helps teams adapt and remain effective when the circumstances change. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring the overlooked aspects of TMS on the dynamics of team effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a theoretical perspective and proposes two sets of propositions. First set explores the overlooked construct of out-group TMS and defines the boundaries of its applicability by building on Lewis’ (2003) dimensions of TMS. Second set explores ways in which out-group TMS can combine with in-group TMS to enable higher team effectiveness in fast-paced settings facing uncertainty and change.

Findings

The study’s conceptual perspective builds the grounds for improving scholars’ understanding of the drivers of team effectiveness in relation to the locus of TMS. The study investigates ways to combine in-group and out-group TMS and conceptually discusses their effects on team effectiveness: a mediation, an interaction and an additive model. The investigation concludes that out-group TMS plays a critical role and that overlooking its impact can be devastating for organizations in fast-paced environments.

Originality/value

This study unveils the unique and previously underexplored dynamics of transactive memory in teams with looser boundaries. Further, it extends scholars’ understanding of team cognition in contemporary, fast-paced business environments.

Keywords

Citation

Vlas, R., Nguyen, H.W. and Vlas, C.O. (2022), "A theoretical exploration of out-group versus in-group perspectives on the dynamics of team effectiveness", Team Performance Management, Vol. 28 No. 1/2, pp. 45-60. https://doi.org/10.1108/TPM-09-2021-0070

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2022, Emerald Publishing Limited

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