Group flow: A scoping review of definitions, theoretical approaches, measures and findings

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to provide a scoping review of the current literature on group flow. Based on the PRISMA-guidelines for systematic reviews, 26 publications were identified that met the inclusion criteria. Publication analyses comprised an individual consideration of each publication and a systematic, integrative synthesis of all publications. Analyses identified heterogeneous group flow definitions across publications, supporting the need for an integrative definition. Further heterogeneity existed in the theoretical approaches and measures used, highlighting the need for a comprehensive theory and a measurement standard. Components (e.g., synchronization), antecedents (e.g., trust), and outcomes (e.g., well-being) of group flow were identified in publications that presented empirical studies, some of which that showed similarities between characteristics of group flow and individual flow and others that showed aspects unique to group flow. Overall, this scoping review reveals the need for a systematic research program on group flow.

The Optimal Experience: Social Identity and IT Identity as Antecedents of Group Flow in Social Media Use

“…More recently, Pels et al [10] conducted a scoping review of the group flow literature. They further developed a generalized definition of group flow based Page 665 on the definitions found in 18 separate publications.…”

“…In the process of developing their definition, they noted that group flow has been represented by both individual and collective aspects. The individual aspects apply to how the individual experiences group flow whereas the collective aspects pertain to the features of the group itself [10]. These collective features of the group can be broken down into four types of features: (a) a specific shared state, (b) a specific group performance, (c) a specific group interaction, and (d) a specific social constellation comprised of a high social presence and positive relationships between the group members [10].…”

“…One major limitation of extant IS flow studies is that they have focused only on individual flow experiences while using these technologies. Recent work in other fields has begun to investigate flow that emerges from group interactions [10]. This new form of flow is known as group flow because it is formed through the interactions between the members of the group.…”

Team flow is a unique brain state associated with enhanced information integration and neural synchrony

“…There is a growing interest in studying flow in group activities, group flow, within several fields including psychology, sociology, organizational behavior, and business fields; hence, it has been studied in a plethora of contexts concerning sports, music, education, work, and gaming (5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10). Group flow, such as classroom students, audience in a concert or a group of motorcycle drivers, is believed to be a collective phenomenon, not a simple aggregation of individual flow experiences, showing augmented positive effects, including enhanced creativity, productivity, or emotions (5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10). Team flow is a specific case of group flow where the group forms a team characterized by a common purpose, complementary skills, performance goals, strong commitment, and mutual accountability (11,12).…”

“…Team flow is a specific case of group flow where the group forms a team characterized by a common purpose, complementary skills, performance goals, strong commitment, and mutual accountability (11,12). The positive subjective experience during team flow, as in sports teams, music ensembles, dance squads, business teams, or teams in video gameplay, is superior to ordinary socialization or individuals experiencing flow (5,9,13). Flow and socialization are two disparate subjective experiences; in other words, acting in a social context is not necessarily sufficient to get into the flow state, and vice versa.…”