The Influence of Task Process and Task Structure on Transactive Memory Systems and Team Outcomes: A Meta-Regression Analysis

Author

Crystal Fausett, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityFollow

Date of Award

Summer 6-12-2024

Embargo Period

6-12-2025

Access Type

Dissertation - Open Access

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Factors

Department

Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology

Committee Chair

Joseph R. Keebler

Committee Advisor

Joseph R. Keebler

First Committee Member

Elizabeth Lazzara

Second Committee Member

Elizabeth L. Blickensderfer

Third Committee Member

Megan Gregory

College Dean

Peter Hoffmann

Abstract

In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern work environments, teams remain a foundation for achieving organizational goals. The efficacy of teams often hinges on the presence of Transactive Memory Systems (TMS), a shared cognitive mechanism that facilitates the distribution and retrieval of specialized knowledge within teams. However, gaps remain in understanding the dynamics of how TMS influences team outcomes, especially in the context of varying task structures, task processes, and TMS operationalization. This dissertation introduces a theoretical model where TMS directly influences team outcomes, with task structure, task process, and TMS operationalization acting as moderators. Meta-analytic results indicate positive effects for all team outcomes through a robust variance estimation, z = 0.47 (r = 0.44), 95% CI [0.38, 0.56], p < .001. Exploratory meta-regression results revealed a significant difference in outcome measurement type, with self-report surveys (z = 0.78, r = 0.65, 95% CI [0.57, 1.03], p < .001) contributing to a significantly greater effect size for the relationship between TMS and team outcomes as compared to human observers (z = 0.35, r = 0.34, 95% CI [0.26, 0.49], pz= 0.34, r = 0.33, 95% CI [0.23, 0.438]). The results of this study will help us better understand how TMS affects team outcomes and the mechanisms through which the relationship is strengthened, providing insight for organizations and researchers alike.

Scholarly Commons Citation

Fausett, Crystal, "The Influence of Task Process and Task Structure on Transactive Memory Systems and Team Outcomes: A Meta-Regression Analysis" (2024). Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses. 826.
https://commons.erau.edu/edt/826