Bridging the Boundary Without Sinking the Team: Communication, Identification, and Creativity in Multiteam Systems

Abstract

Objective:We investigate the effects of communication networks focused inside and outside the team on both team and multiteam systems (MTSs) identification and the effect of team and MTS identification on MTS creativity. Method: We use a sample of 334 individuals working in 128 project teams embedded in 32 MTSs. Participants took part in an 8-week project (Mage = 21; 53% females) that linked courses in Environmental Ecology, Social Psychology, and Innovation Management in two U.S.-based universities and France-based university. Psychometric measures include communication networks and team and MTS identification. Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) rated creativity of the final deliverable. Results: We find that between-team communication benefits MTS identification (β =.55, p