The dynamics of team reflexivity a: time-intensive longitudinal study across team lifecycles

Purpose Team reflexivity offers promising benefits for teams, and research on this phenomenon is growing. However, cross-sectional research dominates the field, limiting insights into how team reflexivity unfolds over time. Although some studies indicate dynamic features, further investigation using more advanced approaches is required to adequately capture these dynamics. This study aims to fill this gap by modeling the temporal dynamics of team reflexivity and identifying patterns of change and the underlying mechanisms driving them. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 12 project teams of six to seven members, using an intensive longitudinal design with 19 measurement occasions. An individual questionnaire was administered every two weeks during the project, and responses were analyzed at the team level using a Bayesian multilevel approach. Findings The results show that team reflexivity follows a nonlinear, parabolic pattern, peaking preceding the project midpoint, with behavior- and team-specific differences in trajectories and peak timing. Originality/value The findings advance understanding of learning in the workplace. By identifying the temporal dynamics of team reflexivity, this study provides practitioners with guidance on when and how to facilitate reflexivity in teams to enhance learning outcomes. It also contributes theoretically by illuminating the temporal complexity of team reflexivity, and methodologically by showcasing a design and analytical approach suited for studying dynamic workplace processes.