Assessing developmental space in teams. Issue 7 (7th October 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Derksen, Karin; de Caluwé, Léon; Rupert, Joyce; Simons, Robert-Jan
• Editors: Rolfsen, Monica
• Is Part Of: Team performance management. Volume 20:Issue 7/8(2014)
• Page Start: 277
• Page End: 293
• Publication Date: 2014-10-07
• Subjects: Team performance -- Innovation -- Complex Tasks -- Developmental Space -- Team Interactions -- Team Results -- Team Sensemaking; Teams in the workplace -- Periodicals; Employee empowerment -- Periodicals; Management -- Employee participation -- Periodicals; 658.402
• DOI: 10.1108/TPM-03-2014-0022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-7592

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: – The aim of this paper is to develop an instrument to assess the developmental space that teams create; examine whether creating more developmental space leads to greater satisfaction with team results; and decide which of three models best predicts perceived results. Design/methodology/approach: – The paper presents a quantitative study of individuals ( N = 257). An instrument was designed to assess developmental space and was validated with a factor analysis. Multiple regression analyses were used to examine whether creating developmental space led to greater satisfaction with team results. Findings: – This study confirms the four-factor structure of developmental space suggested by earlier research. Creating more developmental space is positively related to perceived team results. Practical implications: – This research highlights the importance of creating developmental space and provides teams with an instrument to assess their developmental space as a starting point for improvement. Originality/value: – The interactions teams use are crucial in explaining the effects of teamwork, but seem underexposed in team research. Creating developmental space is a relatively new concept, hitherto only researched qualitatively. This empirical study extends and endorses previous research on developmental space by providing a quantitative assessment.