Decoding Team Dynamics: The Influence of Power Types on Participation and the Mediating Role of Conflict

Abstract

This research examines team dynamics, specifically the impact of diverse power types on team participation and the mediating role of conflict. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, we explore the nuanced interactions of formal authority and informal influence within teams. Our focus includes legitimate authority, expertise, and referent power, investigating their differential effects on both task-oriented and socio-emotional aspects of collaboration. Through literature review and empirical data across organizational contexts, we aim to reveal how power dynamics shape team participation. Additionally, we dissect the role of conflict in the association between power types and participation, providing a nuanced understanding of its mediation. The theoretical implications of our findings enhance comprehension of the interplay between power, participation, and conflict in teams. Furthermore, practical insights derived can guide organizational leaders in optimizing team effectiveness, contributing valuable knowledge to team dynamics and supporting evidence-based interventions for productive and harmonious team environments.