| This dissertation examined the consequences of non contribution to transactive memory system in virtual teams. It considered four types of actions (performing, facilitating, compelling and inducing) taken by teams in response to non-contribution and examined the extent to which the type of transactive memory system in the team and the cause attributed to the non-contribution influenced the type of action. It also investigated how the type of action taken, influenced the satisfaction and performance of the team. An experiment was conducted which tested these propositions by manipulating transactive memory system and attribution in four-member student teams with a confederate playing the role of a non-contributor. Ninety teams, interacting via computers, performed a conjunctive, decision-making task. The results showed that members of teams with both types of transactive memory systems are significantly more likely to respond with actions that are most efficient towards getting the task completed such as performing or facilitating actions. Moreover, the type of transactive memory system in the team directly influenced the satisfaction with the team. In addition, members of teams which attributed the non-contribution to low effort were marginally more likely to respond with compelling and less likely to respond with performing actions, than members of teams which attributed the non-contribution to low ability. Lastly, the type of transactive memory in the team significantly influenced levels of cohesion and conflict in the teams. The implications of these results for transactive memory system and virtual team research, as well as for organizations are discussed. |
