Informal Hierarchy Strength Changes and Their Effect on Performance

Despite qualitative evidence suggesting that changes in informal hierarchy strength likely impact performance, have received little theoretical or empirical attention. We address this by extending structural adaptation theory (SAT) to develop and test a model of why how those performance. Building on SAT’s principle teams can become more ordered following stimulation, we propose pressure subsequently increases strength. In project where starts low at the midpoint, should weaken early life strengthen after midpoint. also extend asymmetric adaptability consider not just direction but rate changes. hypothesize sharply strengthening harms gradually improves SAT implies gradual change is promoted inclusive discussions. Because most influential extraverts tend squelch discussions neurotics be inclusive, with their quickly gradually. find support for our using longitudinal data client performance ratings self-managed teams. Our results contribute showing its application informal, unplanned introducing principle. findings highlight importance shifting research away from predominant static approach toward studying