Stronger together: A multilevel study of collective strengths use and team performance

Recently, strengths used at the team level, that is, collective strengths use, has been introduced as a novel construct that consists of the sub-dimensions of strengths awareness, credibility, and coordination, and in-fluences individual as well as team performance. In this study, we developed a scale to measure this novel construct; moreover, we empirically tested the hypotheses that collective strengths use relates positively to team performance, and that individual performance mediates, while strengths diversity moderates, this relationship. We tested the resulting 2-1-2 moderated mediation model using a sample of 136 work teams encompassing 925 individual employees and their leaders. Cluster-corrected structural equation modeling supported the expected direct relationship between collective strengths use and individual performance and leader-rated team perfor-mance, but provided no support for the mediation and mixed support for the moderation hypotheses. Impor-tantly, the analysis revealed differential relationships between the three sub-dimensions of collective strengths use and individual-and team-level performance.

Automated summary

Recently, a new construct called collective strengths use, which includes the sub-dimensions of strengths awareness, credibility, and coordination, has been introduced at the team level to influence individual and team performance. This study developed a scale to measure this construct and tested the hypotheses that collective strengths use positively relates to team performance, with individual performance mediating and strengths diversity moderating this relationship. The results supported the direct relationship between collective strengths use and individual performance, as well as leader-rated team performance, but did not provide support for the mediation hypotheses and only partial support for the moderation hypotheses. Importantly, the analysis revealed different relationships between the three sub-dimensions of collective strengths use and individual and team performance.