Team values and team performance: A two-study investigation

Abstract

Does the configuration of personal values in teams matter to team performance? Drawing from research on team composition and personal values, we conduct two studies in an effort to answer this question. In Study 1, we develop a shorter and more reliable instrument to measure personal values, the Variable Length Values Inventory (VLVI), which is unique in that the overall length of the scale can be varied; the instrument can be as short as 26 items or as long as 60 items, depending on the research question(s) of interest. In Study 2, we utilize the VLVI to test the impact of team members' values (i.e., benevolence and achievement values) on team performance. Results from 48 teams demonstrated that team member benevolence values and achievement values were related to team performance. Additionally, the achievement values of the team leader impacted performance above and beyond the influence of other team members' values. Study 2 contributes to our understanding of team composition by examining the personal values of team members and the team leader.