Intra-team learning behaviors and psychological safety: linking team leader coaching behaviors and team performance in work teams

Purpose This study aims to investigate the serial mechanism constituted by psychological safety as an antecedent of intra-team learning behaviors in the relationship between team leader coaching behaviors and team performance. Design/methodology/approach Cross-sectional data was collected from 72 Romanian work teams. Team members rated the team leader’s coaching behaviors, psychological safety and intra-team learning behaviors ( N = 256). Team leaders provided data on team performance ( N = 72). Findings Results revealed that team leader coaching behaviors were positively and only indirectly related to team performance. The significant paths consisted of intra-team learning behaviors and psychological safety as an antecedent of intra-team learning behaviors. Originality/value These findings underscore the benefits of team coaching in the form of team leader coaching behaviors on team performance through psychological safety and intra-team learning behaviors.