Measuring the mediating effect of shared leadership on team mental models and team effectiveness

Abstract

In this study, the importance of team mental models in relation to shared leadership and team effectiveness is explained. Team mental models and shared leadership may have an impact on team effectiveness. In addition, shared leadership could mediate the relation between team mental models and team effectiveness. The study hypothesizes that (a) team mental models positively relates to team effectiveness, (b) shared leadership positively relates to team effectiveness, and (c) the relation between team mental models and team effectiveness is mediated by shared leadership. To investigate these hypotheses, a questionnaire has been used. This questionnaire has been completed by various specialists working in medical teams from the University Medical Center Utrecht, performing operations in the operation room. Data have been analyzed using a multi-level analysis. According to the data, Team mental models partly relates to team effectiveness. No direct and indirect effect has been found between shared leadership and team mental models and team effectiveness.