Transactive memory systems in superteams: the effect of an intelligent assistant in virtual teams

Abstract

Purpose

Researchers explore the impact of an intelligent assistant in virtual teams by applying the theoretical lens of a transactive memory system (TMS) to understand the relationships between trust in a specific technology, knowledge sharing and knowledge application.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was administered to a Qualtrics-curated panel of individual, US-based virtual team members utilizing an intelligent assistant with team collaboration software. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to examine the hypothesized relationships of interest.

Findings

Results suggest that knowledge application is strongly influenced by trust in a specific technology and knowledge sharing. Additionally, a transactive memory system positively increases trust in the intelligent assistant, and similarly, trust in the intelligent assistant has a significant positive relationship with knowledge sharing.

Originality/value

The research model contributes to our understanding of the impact of an intelligent assistant in virtual teams. Although the transactive memory system construct has been explored in various contexts and models, few have explored the impact of an intelligent assistant and trust in a specific technology.

Citation

McWilliams, D.J. and Randolph, A.B. (2024), "Transactive memory systems in superteams: the effect of an intelligent assistant in virtual teams", Information Technology & People, Vol. 37 No. 7, pp. 2390-2410. https://doi.org/10.1108/ITP-12-2022-0918