Exploring the moderating effects of LMX quality and differentiation on the relationship between team coaching and team effectiveness

Coaches help people perform well. Previous research has examined coaching in individual level. In response to high levels of economic uncertainty and intense competition, numerous firms have adopted team-based structures to survive and gain competitive advantage. The way of work for individual and team is so different that we can´t apply individual coaching theory to teamwork coaching directly. In “The theory of Team Coaching”, Hachman & Wageman posited the team coaching functions are positively related to team performance processes and then foster team effectiveness. Also, team coaching is a leadership behavior. The exchange quality between team leader and members (LMX) may influence the effects of team coaching functions on team effectiveness. The purpose of this research is to examine: 1. the effects of team coaching functions on team effectiveness, and 2. the moderating effects of LMX quality and LMX differentiation on the relationship between team coaching functions and team effectiveness. We drew our sample from R&D teams of high-tech industries in Taiwanese Science Parks. All analyses were conducted at the team level. There is positive relation between team coaching and team effectiveness. Mean LMX quality within a team will enhance the effect of team coaching on team effectiveness. But LMX differentiation within a team can not foster the effects of team coaching on team effectiveness. The results are discussed concerning the implications for both team coaching and LMX theory.