A Conceptual Framework of the Effects of Positive Affect and Affective Relationships on Group Knowledge Networks

Abstract

A theoretical model integrating research in social psychology and group knowledge networks regarding the pervasive influence of affect on group transactive memory systems (TMSs) is presented. The proposed affective transactive memory (ATM) model extending TMS beyond its cognitive tradition provides a promising interdisciplinary theoretical base for future research. The role of positive affect (PA) in the three dimensions of TMS effectiveness—accuracy in expertise recognition, sharedness of knowledge, and member participation—are discussed. Propositions are presented regarding the effects of members' PA and affective relationships on member information retrieval and allocation, which is further explored as four attribute and relational effects in knowledge networks. Ways to further integrate affect into contemporary small group knowledge network theorizing and research are suggested.