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Achieving more with less: Extra milers' behavioral influences in teams
Ning Li1, Helen H Zhao1, Sheryl L Walter1
1Department of Management and Organizations.
The Journal of Applied Psychology
|February 10, 2015
Summary
A single high-performing team member, the extra miler, can significantly impact team processes and effectiveness. Their influence is amplified when they hold a central network position within the team.
Area of Science:
- Organizational Behavior
- Social Psychology
- Team Dynamics
Background:
- Traditional team research often aggregates individual member characteristics.
- This approach overlooks the unique impact individual members can have on team outcomes.
- Minority influence theory provides a framework for understanding individual influence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of a specific team member, the 'extra miler,' on team processes and effectiveness.
- To examine how the extra miler's network position moderates their influence.
- To demonstrate that a single member can have a disproportionate impact on team success.
Main Methods:
- A field study was conducted to collect data on team dynamics and member behaviors.
- The study analyzed the relationship between the extra miler's behaviors (helping, voice) and team processes (monitoring, backup).
- Network analysis was used to determine the extra miler's position within the team structure.
Main Results:
- The extra miler's behaviors significantly influenced team monitoring and backup processes.
- The extra miler's influence on team outcomes was contingent on their network centrality.
- A single extra miler in a central position had a greater impact than all other members combined.
Conclusions:
- Specific team members, particularly 'extra milers,' can exert significant influence on team effectiveness.
- The network position of influential members is crucial for maximizing their impact.
- Future research should consider the unique contributions of individual members in team research.
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