Differentiated Versus Integrated Transactive Memory Effectiveness: It Depends on the Task

Abstract

This study examined the relations between task type, transactive memory, and group performance. Twenty-three-person groups collaborated on two group tasks: a recall task and an intellective task. The type of transactive memory system imposed on the group (differentiated or integrated) was manipulated. Although there were no statistically significant performance differences between the two types of transactive memory systems on the recall task, the results showed that groups with an integrated transactive memory system completed an intellective task faster and had greater accuracy than those with a differentiated transactive memory system. Groups with an integrated transactive memory reported more helping, error correction, and collaboration, whereas groups with a differentiated transactive memory reported more clarity in the division of responsibility. A content analysis of the videotaped interactions showed that groups with an integrated transactive memory demonstrated behaviors emphasizing the use of shared information, whereas groups with a differentiated transactive memory demonstrated behaviors emphasizing the use of unique information.

Keywords: transactive memory, group performance, knowledge differentiation, knowledge integration, shared cognition

JEL Classification: D70