Research Proposal
Research Gap
The multi-team system has been studied for its efficiency in different fields and spheres. Efficiency is defined by the time spent accomplishing the task as well as its quality (Kennedy et al. 2018). However, there are still challenges in studying the impact of individual parameters in multi-team systems. There is a limitation in observing the MTS in a global context since the literature is focused on reviewing the question only in specific cases, such as emergency cases, such as a natural disaster (Brown et al., 2021), or enterprise systems (information spread model) (Wu et al., 2023).
Research Question
In addition, this paper aims to review the individual factors, such as team members’ motives (Sessa et al., 2021), group diversity (Wu et al., 2022), and the emergent interrelationships during teamwork (Zaccaro et al., 2020). The study will assess the efficiency of multi-team systems from an individual perspective and will focus on challenges that can arise within MTS. The research questions are:
- How can individual team members’ motives, the diversity of the group, and the emergent interrelationships during teamwork affect the efficiency of MTS?
- What are the challenges of multi-team systems and the challenges of forming strong models based on global experience?
Methodology
The paper will review individual characteristics and their impact through 15 qualitative-based interviews with members of multi-teams in different fields. Questions will be based on comparative analysis of the simple team structures and multi-team structures, as well as on the effect of individual preferences in the multi-team processes. The importance of the interview lies in collecting and coding information per the respondents’ answers. Thus, there could be changes in the final results acquired (Gioia, 2012).
The efficiency of the MTS model will be based on several parameters, such as length of accomplishment compared with a simple team system, the difference in the desired outcome of the work, and participant perception of the MTS work. In addition, interviews will collect data on the challenges and weaknesses of participants’ MTS systems. The study will compare interview results with other studies’ preliminary reviewing challenges.
Annotated Bibliography
Different Models of MTS
Use of Digital Technologies to Support Multi-Team Systems
“Supporting teamwork in hybrid multi-team systems” (Schraagen et al., 2021): The paper proposes the hybrid system MTS in which there is an equal number of team members and semi-autonomous agents with interdependent relationships. It uses the power of the machine to compensate for different functional utilities, which also raises challenges in allocating given roles.
Virtual Modelling of MTS to Increase Efficiency
“Optimizing multi-team system behaviors: Insights from modeling team communication” (Kennedy et al., 2018): Due to the complex nature of human behavior and interaction inside the group, the research on team management can become complicated. There is a strong correlation between MTS and better efficiency when using virtual models. Different structures of MTS can also be tested within such models.
MTS Weaknesses and Challenges
Coordination Challenges within MTS
“Using live disaster exercises to study large multiteam systems in extreme environments: Methodological and measurement fit” (Waring, 2019): The study poses the challenge of the MTS in the context of coordination issues. The study reviews coordination problems in terms of real and laboratory disasters.
“Learning in multi-team systems: A qualitative study of learning triggers, readiness to learn and learning processes” (Sessa et al., 2021): One of the important considerations of the multi-team system is that there are weaknesses within the system. There can be conflicts over different matters, such as issues with coordination and roles. In addition, trigger timing and learning it, an individual’s eagerness to learn can affect the perception of work during MTS processes. During the multi-team cooperation, the adaptive learning system dominated the members.
Challenges in Personal Motivation
“Interdependent infrastructures as a multiteam system: Enhancing resilience” (Switzer, 2022): One of the challenges provided in forming a successful group is members’ motivations. In order to enhance the motivation among the group, the study suggests using participative and iterative procedures during MTS work.
“Multi-team systems: An integrated review and comparison of different forms” (Zaccaro et al., 2020): There is a strong necessity for team group intervention during MTS building to increase interdependent relationships and provide better focus on goal setting. The team group intervention reviews individual motives and reasons to work in MTS as well as their attitude.
The Presence of Gender Diversity in MTS
“The performance impact of gender diversity in the top management team and board of directors: A multiteam systems approach” (Wu et al., 2022): The paper approaches the question of gender diversity of top management teams from the perspective of MTS. The study reveals that gender diversity increases organizational innovations and performances.
Knowledge Transfer as an MTS Challenge
“Relationship between team culture and team performance through the lens of knowledge sharing and team emotional intelligence” (Jamshed & Majeed, 2018): The study found a strong correlation between knowledge sharing and positive teamwork. It emphasizes that knowledge sharing increases team efficiency. One of the main contributors to knowledge sharing is team culture, as shown by the example of Pakistani healthcare teams. However, the study reveals the research gap in studying knowledge sharing among MTS.
MTS in the Context of Global Experience
MTS in the Context of Emergency Cases
One of the essential parts of multi-team systems is the work of emergency response teams in this structure. Brown et al. (2021) explore the presence of MTS in the example of a terrorist incident in the United Kingdom. The study found three positive and three negative aspects present in the MTS of the emergency case, which are “joint decision-making, sharing resources and sharing task-related information” for positive and “role uncertainties, decision uncertainties, and conflicting priorities” for negative (Brown, 608).
MTS in the Context of Enterprise Systems
In the example of the Chinese market, Wu et al. (2023) review the implementation of MTS in an Enterprise System (ES). The study explains the possible implementation of MTS through several factors, such as accepting horizontal integration of hierarchy and decentralization of tasks. In addition, MTS can be achieved through proper goal setting and planning to fit the structure’s functions. Overall, the study suggests the implementation of MTS in large and complex technology and information development areas.
References
Brown, O., Power, N. & Conchie, S.M. (2021). Communication and coordination across event phases: A multi-team system emergency response. Journal of Occupational Organizational Psychology, 94(3), 591-615. Web.
Gioia D.A., Corley K.G., Hamilton A.L. (2012). Seeking qualitative rigor in inductive research: Notes on the Gioiamethodology. Organizational Research Methods, 16(1), 15-31. Web.
Jamshed S. & Majeed N. (2018). Relationship between team culture and team performance through lens of knowledge sharing and team emotional intelligence. Journal of Knowledge Management, 23(1), 90-109.
Kennedy D.M., Sommer A.S. & Nguyen P.A (2018). Optimizing multi-team system behaviors: Insights from modeling team communication. European Journal of Operational Research, 258(1), 264-278. Web.
Schraagen J.M., Barnhoorn J., Schendel J. & Vught W. (2021). Supporting teamwork in hybrid multi-team systems. Theoretical Issues in Ergonomics Science, 23(2), 1-22. Web.
Sessa V., Francavilla J., London M., Wanamaker M. (2021). Learning in multi-team systems: A qualitative study of learning triggers, readiness to learn and learning processes. Montclair State University Digital, 4(8), 294-315. Web.
Switzer F.S., Ligato J., Piratla K. (2022). Interdependent infrastructures as a multiteam system: Enhancing resilience. Journal of Infrastructure Systems, 28(4), 1-12. Web.
Waring S. (2019). Using live disaster exercises to study large multiteam systems in extreme environments: Methodological and measurement fit. Organizational Psychology review, 9(4), 219-244. Web.
Wu X.J., Jiang R., Tsai J.C. & Klein G. (2023). Shared mentals models in multi-team systems: improving enterprise system implementation. International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, 16(2), 185-208.
Wu, J., Richard, O. C., Triana, M. d. C., & Zhang, X. (2022). The performance impact of gender diversity in the top management team and board of directors: A multiteam systems approach. Human Resource Management, 61( 2), 157– 180. Web.
Zaccaro S.J., Dubrow S., Torres E.M. & Campbell L.N.P (2020). Multi-team systems: An integrated review and comparison of different forms. Annual Review of Organizational Psychology and Organizational Behavior, 7, 479-503. Web.