Title: A qualitative study on the role of team flow experience in R&D project teams

Authors: V. Kiran Govind; Sumati Sidharth

Addresses: Departmentt of Technology Management, Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DU), Pune – 411025, India ' Departmentt of Technology Management, Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DU), Pune – 411025, India

Abstract: This study examines the factors influencing team flow within R&D project teams in a defence laboratory, providing fresh theoretical insights into this under-explored phenomenon. Through qualitative content analysis of interviews with R&D professionals, the research makes three significant contributions: 1) it identifies previously unrecognised factors while corroborating established ones that nurture or hinder team flow; 2) it offers a novel understanding of how team members in R&D settings experience and manifest team flow; 3) it explores the multidimensional effects of team flow across micro (individual), meso (team), and macro (organisational) levels. By addressing gaps in existing literature, the study enriches theoretical perspectives on team dynamics in R&D environments. The findings emphasise that fostering team flow can lead to improved performance, enhanced innovation, and greater well-being among team members. These insights underscore the strategic importance of cultivating team flow to optimise outcomes in high-stakes, innovation-driven R&D projects.

Keywords: team flow experience; R&D project teams; IMOI model; team effectiveness; 5R framework; team performance; team processes; team emergent states; effects of team flow.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPOM.2025.148692

International Journal of Project Organisation and Management, 2025 Vol.17 No.3, pp.271 - 298

Received: 22 Jun 2024
Accepted: 16 Feb 2025
Published online: 19 Sep 2025 *

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