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On the Emergence of Collective Psychological Ownership in New Creative Teams

Author

Listed:
  • Steven M. Gray

    (McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78705;)

  • Andrew P. Knight

    (Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130)

  • Markus Baer

    (Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130)

Abstract

We develop and test a theoretical model that explains how collective psychological ownership—shared feelings of joint possession over something—emerges within new creative teams that were launched to advance one person’s (i.e., a creative lead’s) preconceived idea. Our model proposes that such teams face a unique challenge—an initial asymmetry in feelings of psychological ownership for the idea between the creative lead who conceived the idea and new team members who are beginning to work on the idea. We suggest that the creative lead can resolve this asymmetry and foster the emergence of collective psychological ownership by enacting two interpersonal behaviors—help seeking and territorial marking. These behaviors build collective ownership by facilitating the unifying centripetal force of team identification and preventing the divisive centrifugal force of team ownership conflict. Our model also proposes that collective ownership positively relates to the early success of new creative teams. The results of a quantitative study of 79 creative teams participating in an entrepreneurship competition provided general support for our predictions but also suggested refinements as to how a creative lead’s behavior influences team dynamics. The findings of a subsequent qualitative investigation of 27 teams participating in a university startup launch course shed additional light on how collective ownership emerges in new creative teams launched to advance one person’s idea.

Suggested Citation

  • Steven M. Gray & Andrew P. Knight & Markus Baer, 2020. "On the Emergence of Collective Psychological Ownership in New Creative Teams," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 31(1), pages 141-164, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:31:y:2020:i:1:p:141-164
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.2019.1307
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Citations

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    Cited by:

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    2. Burnell, Devin & Stevenson, Regan & Fisher, Greg, 2023. "Early-stage business model experimentation and pivoting," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 38(4).
    3. Essig, Elena, 2024. "What do you own if you have nothing? Psychological ownership in the context of institutional minimalism in the armed forces," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    4. Bellis, Paola & Verganti, Roberto & Paolo Zasa, Federico, 2025. "Who drives the creation of a novel vision? The role of individual insights and the ability of “letting go”," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 186(C).
    5. Nora Varesco Kager & Jennifer L. Sparr & Gudela Grote, 2024. "Collective Psychological Ownership Leverages Feedback-Seeking for New Venture Performance," Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Emerging Economies, Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India, vol. 33(3), pages 548-580, August.
    6. Hertel, Christina & Binder, Julia & Fauchart, Emmanuelle, 2021. "Getting more from many—A framework of community resourcefulness in new venture creation," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 36(3).
    7. Paul Rogers, 2021. "Rented But MINE! Application of Psychological Ownership Theory to Access-Based Consumption and the Circular Economy," Circular Economy and Sustainability, Springer, vol. 1(2), pages 719-744, September.

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