Boundary Transitions in Dynamic Teamwork

Abstract

We develop a theoretically grounded framework of boundary transitions and their effect on individuals working in dynamic teamwork settings. Boundaries in teamwork, described here as the psychological limits that define one team as separate from another, have been examined in silos across a broad range of literatures. Consequently, we know little about the cognitive processes associated with the psychological shift in focus (or boundary transition) that occurs because of a change in people, roles, tasks, or technologies in the context of dynamic teamwork. Our comprehensive model of boundary transitions incorporates a broader perspective of boundary transitions, such as transitions across multiple types of boundaries, as well as dimensions of boundary transitions, such as the strength and meaning of the boundaries traversed, the number of boundaries crossed (transition breadth), and whether the context of the transition is within or between teams (transition context). We leverage this framework to explore the cognitive implications of boundary transitions (cognitive exertion and expansion) as well as their implications for individual contributions to teamwork and provide an agenda for future inquiry in boundary transitions in dynamic collaborative teamwork.