The Effects of Intrateam and Interteam Trust on Organizational Outcomes: A Multilevel Study

Abstract

In this study, we examine the individual and interactive effects of intrateam and interteam trust on organizational outcomes (at individual, team and organizational levels). We propose a cross-level mediation model in which the effects of intrateam and interteam trust are transmitted through team behavioral integration and team reflexivity. Drawing on a dataset of teams from a major bank, we found support for the cross-level mediated effects of intrateam trust on outcomes (job satisfaction and job engagement) at both individual and team levels via team reflexivity and team behavioral integration. Moreover, we found support for the positive direct effect of interteam trust on individual and unit-level performance. However, our results did not support the interactive effects of intrateam and interteam trust on organizational outcomes. We use the social exchange theory and the norm of reciprocity as theoretical frameworks to suggest the hypothesized relationships. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.