A META‐ANALYSIS OF TEAMWORK PROCESSES: TESTS OF A MULTIDIMENSIONAL MODEL AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH TEAM EFFECTIVENESS CRITERIA

TLDR

The study proposes a multidimensional theory of teamwork processes, positing that narrowly focused processes cluster into three higher‑order dimensions that load onto a general teamwork process factor. The authors tested this theory using meta‑analyses of relationships among narrow teamwork processes to evaluate the proposed structure. Meta‑analytic results confirm the model, show positive links between teamwork processes and team performance and member satisfaction, and reveal that these relationships are consistent across dimensions and specificity, with intermediate processes strongly related to cohesion and potency, and that task interdependence and team size moderate the process‑performance link.

Abstract

Drawing from Marks, Mathieu, and Zaccaro (2001) , we proposed that narrowly focused teamwork processes load onto 3 higher‐order teamwork process dimensions, which in turn load onto a general teamwork process factor. Results of model testing using meta‐analyses of relationships among narrow teamwork processes provided support for the structure of this multidimensional theory of teamwork process. Meta‐analytic results also indicated that teamwork processes have positive relationships with team performance and member satisfaction, and that the relationships are similar across the teamwork dimensions and levels of process specificity. Supplemental analyses revealed that the 3 intermediate‐level teamwork processes are positively and strongly related to cohesion and potency. Results of moderator analyses suggested that relationships among teamwork processes and team performance are somewhat dependent on task interdependence and team size.