Teamwork behaviors: A review and an integration of frameworks

Abstract

The existing body of literature on teamwork behaviors is substantial and offers many different conceptualizations. However, there is a lack of consensus concerning the conceptual structure of teamwork behaviors. Many researchers pursue their own work without any attempt to build on and integrate the work of others. This article reviews the frameworks of teamwork behaviors in the literature on work teams and provides a way of integrating these frameworks. The behavioral dimensions included in this integrative framework are conceptually distinguished and arranged in a hierarchical conceptual structure based on theoretical approaches. Moreover, they are framed from the perspective of the timing of teamwork behaviors to clarify when these behaviors are most likely to have their intended effects. The proposed framework is then connected to the task conditions under which teamwork behaviors are most likely to facilitate collective task accomplishment. Finally, future directions for research regarding teamwork behaviors are discussed. © 2006 Sage Publications.