Developing and Testing the Team Flow Monitor (TFM)

Abstract

Research has shown that the psychological experience of flow delivers great benefits in all aspects of life, including work settings. But, flow is typically studied at the individual level, even though work often comprises complex tasks performed in teams. Therefore, the focus of this study is on team flow, defined as a shared experience of flow during the execution of interdependent personal tasks in the interest of the team, originating from an optimized team dynamic and typified by seven prerequisites and four characteristics. We developed and tested the Team Flow Monitor as an instrument to assess team flow and related outcomes. The empirical findings of 110 teams support the operationalization of team flow as a second-order model that consists of two factors. Moreover, team flow related positively to individual and team outcomes. These findings suggest that team flow can serve as an important indicator in the management of work teams.