Transactive Memory Systems (TMS, Lewis)
HR & WorkReliability: alphas 0.82–0.91 across three dimensions3 sample items
About this scale
A 15-item measure of transactive memory in teams across three dimensions: specialization, credibility, and coordination. Captures the team-level cognitive system for storing and accessing distributed expertise.
Sample item(s)
“Each team member has specialized knowledge of some aspect of our project. (specialization)”
“I trust that other members' knowledge about the project is credible. (credibility)”
“We accomplish tasks smoothly and efficiently. (coordination)”
Reliability
Reported internal consistency: alphas 0.82–0.91 across three dimensions. As a rule of thumb, Cronbach’s α ≥ .70 is considered acceptable, ≥ .80 good, and ≥ .90 excellent for established measures.
Notes
Use as a team-level construct with aggregation diagnostics.
Source & citation
Lewis, K. (2003): Measuring transactive memory systems in the field: Scale development and validation. Journal of Applied Psychology, Vol. 88, No. 4, pp. 587–604.
Source. Scale details are summarised from the publication cited above. Always consult the original source for the full item set, scoring, and permission to use.
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