Towards a Conceptual Framework of Sustainable Team Dynamics

The emergence of sustainable team dynamics concept reflects a critical evolution in organizational theory, aligning the foundations of effective teamwork with imperatives of sustainability. During complex environmental, social and economic challenges, teams serve as operational units as well as strategic vehicles for sustainable transformation. This study defines, conceptualizes and develops a theoretical model for sustainable team dynamics by integrating diverse strands of literature, including team effectiveness theories, sustainability science and organizational behavior. Reviewing frameworks like Input-Process-Output model, Social Exchange Theory and models of psychological safety; the paper constructs a conceptual framework of sustainable team dynamics capturing antecedents, mediating mechanisms and outcomes – emphasizing shared purpose, psychological safety, inclusive leadership and adaptive capacity as essential for fostering teams that are effective in the short term, and resilient and contributive in the long term. The study offers a holistic model that organizations can use to align team performance with broader sustainability objectives.