From the Savannah to the Corporate Office: The Evolution of Teams

• Published in: Small group research Vol. 52; no. 1; pp. 33 - 67
• Main Authors: Yong, Jose, Park, Guihyun, Spitzmuller, Matthias
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-02-2021; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Adaptive technology; Complex tasks; Organizational research; Task performance; Teams; Technology; teamwork; multilevel; loose coupling; evolution; team; optimal distinctiveness; group
• ISSN: 1046-4964; 1552-8278
• DOI: 10.1177/1046496420960516

Just as social and organizational research has benefited significantly from evolutionary approaches, likewise an understanding of the evolution of teams can advance our knowledge of team formation and functioning. The current paper traces the multilevel emergence of teams as a unique type of group that evolved specially for complex task performance, outlines the evolved mechanisms that enable humans to use teams as a form of adaptive technology, and describes how teams leverage flexible structural adjustments and distinct human motives to tackle a wide range of challenges. We conclude by discussing the implications of this novel framework for team research.