Perceived High Commitment Work System, the Transactive Memory System, and New Product Performance

Abstract

The transactive memory system refers to the processes by which work team members cooperate with teammates in accomplishing team assignments. Previous studies have found that transactive memory systems can improve team performance. However, scholars know less about what managers can do to nurture a transactive memory system in a work team. Based on the behavioral theory of human resource management, we propose that by implementing a set of integrated human resource practices -called the high commitment work system - with team members, managers can elicit the perception of a transactive memory system among team members to enhance team performance. With survey data collected from 336 new product development engineers in 73 new product development teams, we find transactive memory system mediates the positive relationship between team-aggregated perception of human resource management practices and new product performance.