The Conceptualization of Team Flow

In August 2018, Jef van den Hout, Orin Davis and Mathieu Weggeman published the article “The Conceptualization of Team Flow” in the scientific journal “The Journal of Psychology: Interdisciplinary and Applied.” This involved an extensive literature review which led to a generic model with propositions for research on the relationships between individual flow and team flow.

Scientific publication

Scientific publication

The Conceptualization of Team Flow

In August 2018, Jef van den Hout, Orin Davis and Mathieu Weggeman published the article “The Conceptualization of Team Flow” in the scientific journal “The Journal of Psychology: Interdisciplinary and Applied.” This involved an extensive literature review which led to a generic model with propositions for research on the relationships between individual flow and team flow.

Despite the recognized potential of team flow to improve team effectiveness, productivity, performance and capabilities, research on this concept within the work context is scarce. Most research on group-level flow focuses on performance in sports or the arts and looks at the collective experience. However, the work context has different parameters, making it necessary to look at both individual and team experiences. In this review, we build on existing theories and present a testable, multilayered model of team flow in the workplace, incorporating likely boundary conditions, characteristics and benefits.

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The importance of team flow in the practice of professional organizations

Being innovative, creative, and productive as an organization requires effective collaboration in small teams. Flow is a state we experience when we are fully absorbed in an activity, accompanied by a motivated and energetic focus. In a moment of team flow, we experience this together while performing mutually dependent tasks for the team’s interest. Research on flow has shown that flow leads to better performance, more job satisfaction, fulfillment, happiness, creativity, and meaning. If the right conditions are created to put everyone’s strengths into flow, members of teams and organizations could together express their maximum potential. Therefore, wouldn’t it be great if, during team collaboration, people experienced flow together?

Wondering how we can increase the likelihood of team flow within your organization?

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