Joint Problem-Solving Orientation in Fluid Cross-Boundary Teams

Abstract

Using interviews, a national field survey and an online laboratory study, we examine teamwork in fluid cross-boundary teams. Across three studies, we qualitatively discover and quantitatively explore “joint problem-solving orientation” as a new team factor. Interviews with members of teams formed across sectors to design new processes indicated that established approaches to working across boundaries, such as increasing team familiarity, were undermined by team member fluidity. A joint problem-solving orientation emerged as an enabling factor that differed across teams. Building on the qualitative findings, we surveyed 299 cross-sector teams and conducted an online laboratory study further developing the joint-problem solving orientation construct. Survey results showed that joint problem-solving orientation varies across fluid cross-boundary teams and contributes to explaining team performance. Online study results found that joint problem-solving orientation is appropriately measured at the team level, demonstrates discriminant validity against conceptually related measures and exhibits a consistent relationship with performance. Together, these studies elucidate the compounding challenges of boundaries and team fluidity and discover joint problem-solving orientation as a measurable factor for predicting team performance. For large-scale problems requiring cross-sector teamwork, understanding how people can collaborate across boundaries in fluid combinations is vital.