The Rough Journey to Success: Examining the Nonlinear Dynamics of Processes and Performance in Teams

Abstract

We build on Nonlinear Dynamic Systems (NDS) theory to examine if team performance change across a complete performance cycle is nonlinear, and if such change is related with team processes change over time. Participants were 214 teams enrolled in one management competition. The hypotheses were tested using nonlinear regressions and catastrophe modeling. The results of the nonlinear regression model support the hypothesis that change in team performance over time follows a cusp catastrophe distribution, R2Cusp = .93, F(5, 1065) = 16889.82, p < .001; and that team processes do function as asymmetry (transition and action processes) and bifurcation (interpersonal processes) factors. The results also suggest that the cusp catastrophe model (R2 = .68) explains team performance better than the linear (R2 = .05) and logistic models (R2 = .07). This study reiterates the importance of incorporating the NDS perspective within the teamwork literature to leverage our knowledge about the way teams perform over time.