Examining transactive memory system in R&D teams

Abstract

Teamwork has become a preferred method used by organizations to conduct R&D. As the importance of teamwork in R&D increases, additional research is needed to gain insight into what constitutes successful R&D teams. The transactive memory system (TMS) postulates that team members have a shared understanding of which team member knows what. R&D is knowledge-intensive. Thus, R&D members need to develop TMS such that knowledge are effectively communicated and integrated when tasks are performed. This study examines the role of TMS in R&D teams. Our research model utilizes data drawn from a sample of 168 members of 32 R&D teams in Taiwan and is analyzed using the partial least squares (PLS) method. The results of this study indicate: (1) network ties positively affect TMS, (2) TMS positively affects team performance and (3) knowledge integration mediates the relationship between TMS and team performance. This study discusses implications for R&D team management.