Bridging task interdependence to work role performance: a serial mechanism of team empowerment and collective engagement in short-duration teams

Purpose Drawing on the input-mediator-outcome model, this research examined how task interdependence (TI) affects work role performance (WRP) serially through the mediating mechanism of team empowerment (TE) and collective engagement (CE) in short-duration teams. Design/methodology/approach Survey data from 68 short-duration teams were analysed using structural equation modelling with partial least squares. Findings The results suggest that in short-duration teams, the presence of interdependent task structure or the enhancement of TE alone had no impact on WRP. But when CE was introduced, it affected WRP to the point where a mechanism of serial mediation between TI and WRP was identified through TE and CE. Practical implications Findings can significantly enhance the performance of short-duration teams by reducing member dysfunction and improving their WRP. Originality/value The study identifies a novel mechanism for enhancing and sustaining WRP of short-duration teams operating in complex, interdependent task contexts using a multi-theory approach.