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Article
Unlocking the Influence of Leadership Network Structures on Team Conflict and Viability
Small Group Research
  • Zoe Barsness, University of Washington Tacoma
  • Prasad Balkundi
  • Judd H. Michael
Publication Date
6-1-2009
Abstract

This article seeks to test whether a leader's position in the team's informal network strengthens or weakens the leader's team. Based on data collected from 231 employees working in 19 teams in a manufacturing organization, the study tested whether two different leader network centralities in teams' advice networks predicted team conflict and viability. Teams with more prestigious formal leaders (i.e., leaders whom a high proportion of subordinates sought out for advice) experienced lower levels of team conflict and had higher levels of team viability. In contrast, teams with leaders who brokered across subordinates within a team's advice network (i.e., leaders who had advice ties with subordinates who did not have advice ties with each other) reported elevated levels of team conflict and lower levels of team viability, even when controlling for the team leader's prestige. Team conflict mediated the effects of the two leader network positions on team viability.

DOI
10.1177/1046496409333404
Publisher Policy
pre-print, post-print (with 12 month embargo)
Citation Information
Zoe Barsness, Prasad Balkundi and Judd H. Michael. "Unlocking the Influence of Leadership Network Structures on Team Conflict and Viability" Small Group Research Vol. 40 Iss. 3 (2009) p. 301 - 322
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/zoe-barsness/9/