Assessing developmental space in teams

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to develop an instrument to assess the developmental space that teams create; examine whether creating more developmental space leads to greater satisfaction with team results; and decide which of three models best predicts perceived results.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a quantitative study of individuals (N = 257). An instrument was designed to assess developmental space and was validated with a factor analysis. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine whether creating developmental space led to greater satisfaction with team results.

Findings

This study confirms the four-factor structure of developmental space suggested by earlier research. Creating more developmental space is positively related to perceived team results.

Practical implications

This research highlights the importance of creating developmental space and provides teams with an instrument to assess their developmental space as a starting point for improvement.

Originality/value

The interactions teams use are crucial in explaining the effects of teamwork, but seem underexposed in team research. Creating developmental space is a relatively new concept, hitherto only researched qualitatively. This empirical study extends and endorses previous research on developmental space by providing a quantitative assessment.

Citation

Derksen, K., de Caluwé, L., Rupert, J. and Simons, R.-J. (2014), "Assessing developmental space in teams", Team Performance Management, Vol. 20 No. 7/8, pp. 277-293. https://doi.org/10.1108/TPM-03-2014-0022