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Transactive Memory System (TMS)

Definition

“The shared division of cognitive labor with respect to the encoding, storage, retrieval, and communication of information from different domains that often develops in close relationships” (Hollingshead 2001, p. 1080)

Key References Key Measurements

  • Liang, D. W., Moreland, R. L., & Argote, L. (1995). Group Versus Individual Training and Group Performance: The Mediating Role of Transactive Memory. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 21(4), 384–393. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167295214009
    • Evaluated how undergoing task training with the group and alone related to future task performance, did not measure TMS directly- instead inferred formation of TMS through the measure of multiple related cognitive and social factors, found that TMS mediated the training context-performance relationship.
  • Lewis, K. (2003). Measuring transactive memory systems in the field: Scale development and validation. Journal of Applied Psychology, 88(4), 587–604. https://doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.88.4.587 
    • Brief review of past TMS measures & related field measures, created & validated TMS field measure in multiple contexts (tech, education, business), measure included in appendix.
  • DeChurch, L. A., & Mesmer-Magnus, J. (2010). The cognitive underpinnings of effective teamwork: A meta-analysis. Journal of Applied Psychology, 95(1), 32–53. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0017328
    • Integrated shared mental models and TMS as a larger team cognition variable, includes thorough table of common language used in literature to describe team cognition, established three major “underpinnings” of team cognition
      • 1. Nature of emergence
      • 2. Form of cognition
      • 3. Content of cognition

Key Measurements

  • Lewis 2003 TMS Field Measure: 15 item measure on a 5-point Likert scale, three subdimesnions- 1. Specialization, 2. Credibility, 3. Coordination, alphas > .80 on the team and individual member levels.

Recent Articles

  • Theiner, G. (2013). Transactive memory systems: A mechanistic analysis of emergent group memory. Review of Philosophy and Psychology, 4(1), 65–89. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13164-012-0128-x 
    • Explains group memory in terms of collective-information processing mechanisms to define the value of conceptualizing groups at TMSs.
  • Hsu, J. S.-C., Shih, S.-P., Chiang, J. C., & Liu, J. Y.-C. (2012). The impact of transactive memory systems on IS development teams’ coordination, Communication, and performance. International Journal of Project Management, 30(3), 329–340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2011.08.003 
    • Explores the role of TMS in on teamwork processes and performance.
    • Found that a mature TMS can enhance performance.
  • Choi, Lee, & Yoo. (2010). The impact of Information Technology and transactive memory systems on knowledge sharing, application, and Team Performance: A field study. MIS Quarterly, 34(4), 855. https://doi.org/10.2307/25750708 
    • Conducted a field study and found that information technology support has a positive impact on TMS. Found both TMS and IT support enhance team performance.