Mapping the cognitive structure of the field of dynamic teams: A co-word analysis

Abstract

Although the relevance of the dynamic nature of teams has generated a thriving literature, contributions have originated from a variety of disciplines. This situation has hindered scholarly understanding and collaboration. To assess the state of the dynamic teams’ field in an unbiased and comprehensive way, a literature review relying upon bibliometric techniques combined with content analysis was conducted. Considering all disciplines that have examined the subject, this study aimed at defining its knowledge structure, identifying its main research lines, methods, and key theoretical framework. Results revealed eight research lines. Teams/teamwork, membership change, performance, dynamic team, and membership change were found as the motor themes. In turn, decentralised control, access control, multi-robot system, and distributed system were found as themes that are either emerging or disappearing. The latter themes, related to the engineering and computing fields, are emerging and are likely to become central and developed. Future research lines are suggested.