This book examines an emerging organizational form called the multi-team system (MTS). This type of aggregation is being increasingly adopted by organizations and agencies that need to respond to complex strategic problems. There has been increasing interest in MTSs over the last decade to the point where there is now a need to (a) describe these organizational forms more fully, (b) build conceptual frames that can guide research, and (c) begin developing tools to improve the study of MTSs. The purpose of this book is to respond to these needs. The book contains a series of chapters that expand prior conceptual frames of MTSs, defining in more detail the compositional and linkage attributes that characterize such units. The book also explores how such systems emerge and develop, as well as the methods for studying MTSs. The intent of the book is to establish and nurture a strong conceptual and methodological foundation that can guide research and practice with MTSs. Because the notion of MTSs cuts across multiple domains, this book will interest scholars in industrial/organizational psychology, organizational science, management and organizational theory, human factors, sociology, organization communications, and public administration.
First Published in 2012. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.
"Organizations operate in turbulent, complex organizational environments, with new challenges seemingly appearing daily. The "Multiteam System" has emerged as an important new organizational form designed to meet such challenges. This book serves as a critical landmark in research on the Multiteam System phenomena. It clearly defines what Multiteam Systems are, summarizes what is known, and identifies areas in need of future research. This book is your one-stop shopping source; it contains everything you always wanted to know about Multiteam Systems but were afraid to ask. Leading scholars provide clear descriptions of what Multiteam Systems are, identify and review the key issues that dominate this area of research, and provide practical advice about how to actually study Multiteam Systems. Scholars interested in groups or teams, or new organizational forms more broadly, would be well advised to read this book. It is destined to become a seminal reference for anyone who is interested in this emerging organizational form." - Frederick P. Morgeson, Professor of Management and Valade Research Scholar, Michigan State University
"This volume is well developed. The sections have a distinct focus that together create a complete and organized package. MTS (multi-team systems) is an emerging area of scholarship within the more general topic of team effectiveness . There is growing interest in this area, and in that sense the book has a potential to spur scholarship in this area." - Steve Kozlowski, Editor, Journal of Applied Psychology, Michigan State University
"This book represents a quantum leap in our knowledge of multi-team systems (MTS) and their implications for organizational functioning. By deeply exploring both MTS internal processes and external dynamics, it lays the foundation for how researchers will think about and practitioners design MTS's.?A must-have book for anyone interested in 21st century organizations." -Laurie Weingart, Carnegie Bosch Professor of Organizational Behavior and Theory, Tepper School of Business, Carnegie Mellon University
"The world of teams is changing. A new era is upon us - the era of teams of teams. The era where teams are embedded in large, complex, evolving, dynamic and interwoven organizational systems. Indeed, multi-teams systems are the new frontier in work teams. And so, new knowledge is needed. A new science that informs practice is a must now. This book launches the science! Bravo! Steve, Michelle and Leslie with their contributors have assembled a gem of a volume. A must read for those in the science of team performance." - Eduardo Salas, Pegasus Professor, University of Central Florida
