More Teams,More Meetings? Toward an Understanding of Multiteam System Meeting Design,Facilitation,and Effectiveness

Abstract

The growing literature on meeting science has begun to offer numerous best practices for designing and facilitating team meetings. However, similar considerations are limited for meetings that take place within multiteam systems (MTSs). These MTSs require meetings to occur both within and between teams to achieve both proximal and distal goals. Accordingly, the unique attributes of and challenges faced by MTSs may impact meeting inputs, processes, outcomes, and performance in these complex systems. In this review, we integrate core theoretical and empirical evidence from the meeting science, teaming, and MTS literature to inform the development of key propositions. Specifically, these propositions address how the design, facilitation, and effectiveness of MTS meetings may be influenced and impacted by core linkage attributes of MTSs. We conclude with a discussion of theoretical and practical implications as well as of future avenues for research that further explores and refines our understanding of meetings in MTS contexts.

Plain Language Summary Title

Towards an Understanding of Multiteam System Meeting Design, Facilitation, & Effectiveness

Plain Language Summary

Multiteam systems are unique organizational structures where at least two teams must cooperate to achieve interdependent goals. MTSs face unique challenges that come along with the need for between- team and within-team collaboration in complex, dynamic environments. Meeting science has contributed theoretically-informed research to provide best practices in meeting design and facilitation. However, there is a lack of research considering meetings that occur within the MTS context, and involve members from multiple teams. The current effort draws conclusions based on existing research from the meeting, teaming, and MTS sciences to generate theoretical propositions regarding MTS meeting issues that are in need of further exploration in future research. Overall, this review provides a foundation to begin understanding how MTS attributes may uniquely impact meeting facilitation, design, and effectiveness in such systems.