When communication quality is trustworthy? Transactive memory systems and the mediating role of trust in software development teams
Fangcheng Tang · R and D Management · 2014
While the importance of communication frequency to transactive memory system (TMS) development has well been established, few studies have been done examining the relationship between communication quality and transactive memory systems in software development teams. This study empirically tests the relationships between communication quality andTMS, and the effect ofTMSon team effectiveness. We also examine the mediating effect of trust on the link between communication quality andTMS. By investigating 86 software development teams inChina, the results suggest that: (1) communication quality has a positive effect onTMS; (2) the link between communication quality andTMSis mediated by benevolence‐ and competence‐based trust; and (3)TMShas a positive impact on team performance. Theoretical and managerial implications of the study findings are discussed.