Despite more organizations embracing non-linear ways of organizing teams, agile, self-managing teams may be more likely to produce less creative and innovative output given the increase in peer pressure, according to a new study.
For the study, published in the Journal of Product Innovation Management in June, the researchers created a database of 97 self-managed teams in software development from a Fortune 500 company. The teams were based across 11 countries.
The researchers found that peer-pressure as it related to completing work before deadlines was linked to lower innovative team output. They also found that this kind of peer pressure is common among agile, self-managed teams given the lack of distinct management and leadership.