Team Development: Definition, Measurement and Relationships with Team Effectiveness

ABSTRACT

This article describes the development and validation of a theory-based measure of team development. Drawing on 3 independent samples, including multisource and 2-wave data, we found support for the scale’s theoretical multidimensionality. Convergent and discriminant validity was established, and criterion-related validity was determined through the scale’s relation with 3 facets of team effectiveness: viability, extrarole performance, and reputation. We conclude that the 29-item measure is valid and reliable for the assessment of team development. Theoretically, we shed light on the dimensionality of team development and extend the available knowledge on its nomological network. Practical implications for enhancing team effectiveness via team development are discussed.

Acknowledgments

We thank the anonymous reviewers and Dr. Woehr, the Editor, for their invaluable and helpful comments on earlier drafts of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by funding from Portugal’s Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (SFRH/BD/76704/2011) and Programa Operacional Potencial Humano/Fundo Social Europeu (POPH/FSE) awarded to Carlos Ferreira Peralta.