A Systematic Literature Review of Transactive Memory System

Purpose This study aims to examine the functional role of the transactive memory system in a team context to address unpredictable challenges and to derive the intervention in the workplace.Methods This study conducted a systematic literature review and analyzed 121 papers.Results This study revealed that, first, the transactive memory system consists of three interrelated constructs: specialization, credibility, and coordination. Second, various antecedents of the transactive memory system were identified, including personal personality, task characteristics, relational, cultural, and climate factors. Moreover, the study identified transactive memory systems take a crucial mediating role in connecting the team outcomes such as team creativity, team innovation, and team performance. Third, there are diverse theories explaining the transactive memory system including social cognitive theory. Fourth, this study developed a theoretical model for the functional role of a transactive memory system based on the results.Conclusion This study presents theoretical and practical implications for enhancing the effectiveness of the transactive memory system in teamwork. We also discussed the research limitations and future direction.