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Transactive memory systems in supply chain teams: role of lone wolf tendencies, technology ease of use and team collaboration

Willow Yang, Jason M. Riley, William A. Ellegood

Team Performance Management

ISSN: 1352-7592

Article publication date: 14 January 2025

36

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to understand the influence of lone wolf tendencies, technology ease of use and team collaboration on the development of transactive memory systems (TMSs) and, consequently, their impact on the performance of supply chain and operations teams.

Design/methodology/approach

By using a comprehensive operations management simulation involving 160 business student teams, this research tests five hypothesized relationships using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Lone wolf tendencies, technology ease of use and team collaboration contribute positively to an efficient TMS. This group cognitive system, in turn, strengthens a team’s competitive position and operational efficiency. This study highlights the need to reevaluate traditional management practices that discourage candidates with lone wolf characteristics. In addition, it shows that technology ease of use not only affects individual productivity as highlighted by the technology acceptance model but also influences the team knowledge system.

Originality/value

This study deepens understanding of the antecedents and consequences of TMSs in supply chain management. Lone wolf tendencies, characterized by independent work proclivity, are common in supply chain teams due to task complexities. Prior research on the impact of lone wolf behavior has yielded mixed results. Furthermore, although Industry 4.0 technologies are widely adopted in supply chain operations, it remains unclear how ease of using these complex technologies affects TMSs and team performance. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is among the first to investigate the influence of lone wolf tendencies and technology ease of use on group cognitive systems.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

This project was made possible by funding from the Sam Houston State University Teaching and Learning Center (formerly known as the Professional and Academic Center for Excellence or PACE).

Ethics statement: This study was conducted in accordance with ethical research standards and was exempted by the Sam Houston State University Institutional Review Board (Protocol #IRB-2022–50) under Category 2(ii) of Exempt Review. This category covers research involving survey procedures and ensures that disclosure of participants' responses does not place them at risk of criminal or civil liability or damage their financial standing, employability, educational advancement or reputation.

Citation

Yang, W., Riley, J.M. and Ellegood, W.A. (2025), "Transactive memory systems in supply chain teams: role of lone wolf tendencies, technology ease of use and team collaboration", Team Performance Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/TPM-02-2024-0023

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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