Harnessing The Link Between Knowledge Teams And Creativity: A Review

Abstract

This review aims to explore the unique connection between knowledge teams and creativity in new product development (NPD). In this review, findings from the literature are used to understand how knowledge teams can be associated with creativity in NPD. The findings reveal that the link between knowledge teams and creativity can be explained in four different factors which include flexible leadership, cross-functional creativity, collaborative creativity and cross-functional knowledge sharing. From the four factors, it appears that cross-functional and collaborative creativity are the two most dominant factors that noticeably link knowledge teams with creativity in NPD, as far as this literature review is concerned. The findings are somehow inconclusive and require empirical tests to be authenticated. However, this review creates a theoretical relevance that transcends NPD performance and encourages leaders to work together on flexible leadership strategies, tactics, innovation and improvements through knowledge teams. Leaders can use this review as a guideline to create platforms for extensive knowledge sharing and knowledge creation.