Modeling and Understanding Teams as Dynamic Entities

Abstract

Conceptually, team researchers have converged on a view of teams as complex, adaptive, dynamic systems. However, the science of teams is largely built on cross-sectional studies or relatively simple Input-Process-Output style (IPO) models. While IPO models can provide some insight into team functioning, they only capture a single, static moment in the life-cycle of a team. Accordingly, we developed a symposium that highlights current research addressing temporal issues in teams’ and seeks to uncover the influence of time on team processes and emergent states. First, team conflict and team cohesion will be highlighted as dynamic states that vary in configurations, evolution, and reciprocal functioning. Additionally, team processes will be discussed in terms of differential influences on salient outcomes at various points in time during a team task. Lastly, many of the studies in our symposium employ complex configural models to further embrace the complexities of dynamic team processes. Modeling Reciprocal Team Cohesion – Performance Relationships Presenter: John Mathieu; U. of Connecticut Presenter: Michael Kukenberger; Rutgers U. Presenter: Lauren D'Innocenzo; U. of Connecticut Presenter: Gregory P. Reilly; U. of Connecticut Intragroup conflict configurations over time Presenter: Sherry M Thatcher; U. of South Carolina Presenter: Audrey Korsgaard; U. of South Carolina Presenter: Robert E Ployhart; U. of South Carolina Investigating the Episodic Relationship between Team Processes and Performance Presenter: James Andrew Grand; The U. of Akron Presenter: Marina Pearce; Michigan State U. Presenter: Steve W. J. Kozlowski; Michigan State U. A Configural Approach to the Emergence and Evolution of Team Cohesion Presenter: Patrick E. Downes; U. of Iowa Presenter: Eean Crawford; U. of Iowa Presenter: Sheryl Walter; U. of Iowa