ABSTRACT
Multiteam systems (MTSs) surround us. They are especially prevalent in government, military, and disaster relief settings. Multiteam systems have become common in other arenas as well, as problems are perceived as having become more challenging and complex, and the pace, scope, and scale of work have outgrown the skills, talents, and resources of any one group. This problem-focused work environment requires that teams and organizations become more interdependent, often in ways that are not planned for or in ways that arise from emergent situations. This type of boundary crossing has long existed, but this new environment develops at such a pace and in such a way that teams and organization may not be isomorphic in their interdependencies. That is, MTS as structures will require teams (and team members) who have specialized skills, knowledge, or resources, and the selection of team members and the organizations they represent may vary based on their organization’s respective availability of resources. This is particular true as a new economy and complex social problems require greater fluidity and interdependence among public and private organizations.
