Communication in Transactive Memory Systems: A Review and Multidimensional Network Perspective. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yan, Bei; Hollingshead, Andrea B.; Alexander, Kristen S.; Cruz, Ignacio; Shaikh, Sonia Jawaid
• Is Part Of: Small group research. Volume 52:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 3
• Page End: 32
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: transactive memory -- group communication -- group cognition -- team cognition -- knowledge networks -- social networks -- team networks -- group learning; Small groups -- Periodicals; Small groups -- Research -- Periodicals; Group Processes -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy, Group -- Periodicals; 302.3405
• DOI: 10.1177/1046496420967764
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1046-4964

Abstract

The comprehensive review synthesizes 64 empirical studies on communication and transactive memory systems (TMS). The results reveal that (a) a TMS forms through communication about expertise; (b) as a TMS develops, communication to allocate information and coordinate retrieval increases, promoting information exchange; and (c) groups update their TMS through communicative learning. However, direct interpersonal communication is not necessary for TMS development or utilization. Nor do high-quality information-sharing processes always occur within developed TMS structures. For future research, we propose a multidimensional network approach to TMS that incorporates technologies, addresses member characteristics, considers multiple communication types, and situates groups in context.