Perceived High Commitment Work System, the Transactive Memory System, and New
Product Performance
ABSTRACT
The transactive memory system refers to the processes by which work team members
cooperate with teammates in accomplishing team assignments. Previous studies have found that
transactive memory systems can improve team performance. However, scholars know less about
what managers can do to nurture a transactive memory system in a work team. Based on the
behavioral theory of human resource management, we propose that by implementing a set of
integrated human resource practices -called the high commitment work system- with team
members, managers can elicit the perception of a transactive memory system among team
members to enhance team performance. With survey data collected from 336 new product
development engineers in 73 new product development teams, we find transactive memory
system mediates the positive relationship between team-aggregated perception of human resource
management practices and new product performance.
Keywords: high commitment work system , transactive memory system , new product
development
1