Individuals resident in multiteam systems face complex task environments which tax the resources at their disposal. Performance is determined, in no small way, by how these limited resources are allocated and by the degree to which they are brought to bear. This study investigated the role played by regulatory mode, goal commitment and identity in determining an individual's incremental contribution to performance across the three levels of a multiteam system. Findings from a laboratory study of 20 multiteam systems and 179 participants indicate that a strong commitment to goals at the component team level and strong identification at that level positively affect performance across all levels. Results also suggest that too strong an identification with the multiteam system and too strong a commitment to the goals of the system may serve, ultimately, to undermine performance. Implications for leaders of multiteam systems and suggestions for future research are also discussed.
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