The nature and relevance of team grit

Abstract

Purpose This research aims to investigate the nature of the team grit construct as distinct from individual grit and determines its relevance within a net of team constructs. Design/methodology/approach Using a new, validated and invariant team grit scale, the study confirmed the factor structure of a scale in a United Kingdom sample (n = 228), tested the discriminant nature of individual and team grit and examined relationships between proposed antecedents and outcomes of team grit in a United States sample (n = 269). This paper applied structural equation modeling to analyze the data. Findings Results of this paper revealed the relevance of this goal-focused team construct. It showed that team grit is distinct from individual grit and preceded by team psychological safety and team goal commitment, and predicts team innovation, and team work engagement. Research limitations/implications The team grit scale used in this study provides new opportunities to understand team grit in organizational settings. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research offers the first empirical investigation of the relationships of team grit in organizations with other team constructs.