Technology Role in Turbulent teams: An Analytical Model and Empirical Validation

This study analyzes the role of collaborative information technology (CIT) on team performance. We propose that the role of CIT can be more clearly understood by examining how it functions in the particular context of departure of an individual from a work team. Using an analytical model and laboratory experiments, we show that CIT serves to moderate the negative impact of a team memberâs departure, and it can play an indirect but potentially significant role in enhancing group performance. We explain why and how team performance benefits from CIT when departure occurs. Moreover, we employ transactive memory theory to explain how individuals develop and exchange knowledge in a group and how skills and knowledge can be lost due to departure.