| In the present research the implications of affective dynamics among team members for communication and knowledge management are explored through the lens of transactive memory theory. Transactive memory theory details the processes whereby groups form a mental map of 'who knows what' in the group and the resulting patterns of communication and knowledge exchange. The emergence of a well-developed transactive memory system has been linked to superior team outcomes (Austin, 2003; Lewis, 2004). There are two key components of transactive memory systems: the mental map, or directory, of who knows what, and the transactive communication, in the form of information and knowledge exchange, that occurs among team members. Research has demonstrated that a well-developed directory is positively related to transactive communication (Yuan, Fulk, Monge, & Contractor, 2010); however, we lack a full understanding of other factors that may influence the transactive communicative processes that take place among team members. One such factor that is worthy of further consideration is affect. Extant research on transactive memory systems has taken a primarily rational, cognitive orientation, and has overlooked the implications of affect, a key variable that has been demonstrated to influence group process and outcomes. The present research focuses on the impact of both individual and team level positive affect for communication in transactive memory systems. A new multi-level theoretical model is proposed and tested using a mixed-methods research design. First, hierarchical linear modeling is used to analyze data collected from student teams. Then, the proposed model is explored more deeply in the context of organizational teams through the use of qualitative research methods. |
