Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2009

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-5885.2009.00345.x

Abstract

Drawing upon the Path-Goal Theory of leadership, this study examines the effect of team leader characteristics on an array of conflict resolution behavior, collaboration, and communication patterns of cross-functional new product development (NPD) teams. A hierarchical linear model analysis based on a survey of 246 members from 64 NPD teams suggests that participative management style and initiation of goal structure by the team leader exert the strongest influence on internal team dynamics. Both these leadership characteristics had a positive effect on functional conflict resolution, collaboration, and communication quality within the NPD team; while discouraging dysfunctional conflict resolution and formal communications. Comparatively, team leader’s consideration, initiation of process structure, and position had a surprisingly weak effect on internal team dynamics. Further the findings underscore the differential effects on various dimensions of team dynamics, the importance of controlling for project and team characteristics, and the use of multi-level modeling for studying nested phenomena related to NPD teams. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Copyright Statement

This is an author-produced, peer-reviewed version of this article. The final, definitive version of this document can be found online in the Journal of Product Innovation Management published by Blackwell Publishing. Copyright restrictions may apply. DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-5885.2009.00345.x

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