The Highs and Lows of Hierarchy in Multiteam Systems
Multiteam system research operates under the assumption that multiteam systems should be structured hierarchically, or consist of component teams nested under a formal, centralized leadership team that oversees and orchestrates system activities. Although multiteam system research has certainly provided evidence suggestive of the merits of more hierarchical (vs. egalitarian) structures, we take a more balanced view and argue that hierarchy both facilitates and impedes multiteam system success. Using an experimental study and a sample of 76 multiteam systems observed over three performance episodes, we provide evidence that structural hierarchy (a) facilitates multiteam system learning by mitigating cognitive depletion among members, but (b) undermines multiteam system learning via its deleterious effects on horizontal coordination. Critically, however, we find that the benefits of hierarchy (i.e., reduced cognitive depletion) wane over performance episodes. This investigation underscores the important role that different hierarchical arrangements play in multiteam system functioning. Although a majority of multiteam system researchers have utilized hierarchical structures—which indeed have their virtues—we illustrate that egalitarian structures have key advantages as well.
Matusik, James G.; Mitchell, Rebecca L.; Hays, Nicholas A.; Fath, Sean; Hollenbeck, John R. The Highs and Lows of Hierarchy in Multiteam Systems. Academy of Management Journal. Oct2022, Vol. 65 Issue 5, p1571-1592.
https://journals.aom.org/doi/10.5465/amj.2020.0369
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