Fairness Perceptions and Reciprocity of Backup Behavior and the Effects on Individual Perceptions of Team Viability, Team Cohesion, and Self-efficacy

Abstract

Backup behavior is a team process whereby one member of the team provides assistance to another member in order to help that individual accomplish their assigned tasks. This shift in effort by the assisting team member is a critical factor in achieving team effectiveness during periods of high workload or pressure. Although previous studies on backup behavior have shown a positive relationship between backup behavior and team productivity, prior research has not examined whether there may be costs to perceptions of the individual who engages in backup behaviors, to the extent that providing assistance increases individual workload and perceptions of inequity. The current study examined the influence of reciprocity on the individual’s perceptions of team viability, team cohesion and self-efficacy. Non-reciprocal backup behavior negatively affected the individuals’ perception of team cohesion and viability. However, non-reciprocal backup behavior did not demonstrate a significant effect on self-efficacy.