Diversity as Antecedent of Shared Leadership : The Mediating Role of Transactive Memory Systems

Abstract

Addressing gaps in the extant literature, this paper examines the relationship between diversity (i.e., demographic and functional) and shared leadership by proposing transactive memory systems as a mediator of this relationship. Drawing on power-dependency theory, we suggest that highly developed transactive memory systems within a team lead to shifting of leadership from one team member to another based on relevant team member expertise, resulting in shared leadership. Additionally, we propose three moderators. First, perceived diversity moderates the relationship between diversity (both functional and demographic) and transactive memory systems. Second, information sharing moderates the relationship between diversity (both functional and demographic) and transactive memory systems. Third, empowering leadership by the formally designated leader moderates the relationship between transactive memory systems and shared leadership. The discussed mediators and moderators are systematically integrated into a comprehensive framework and propositions for empirical testing are derived.