ABSTRACT

Several types of multiteam systems (MTSs) have gained considerable attention of late in the media and popular press. One likely reason for this attention is that MTSs are often used to address large and complex challenges where the costs of failure are immense. For example, hurricane disaster response, provincial reconstruction, and corporate strategic alliances are just a few of the situations where MTSs are commonly employed. In some cases, these systems are able to integrate efforts smoothly and accomplish goals effectively; in many other instances, however, these systems are not able to perform effectively, or they even suffer from a complete failure. As MTSs are used to address extremely high-stake endeavors, managers and organizational scientists alike are seeking a better understanding of the antecedents, processes, and emergent states associated with the effectiveness of this complex organizational form.