Factors affecting team performance: An empirical study of Indian GenY and GenZ cohorts

Purpose The study intends to examine the generational differences between GenY and GenZ Indian generational cohorts on the study variables, i.e. core self-evaluations (CSE), team cohesion, organizational culture and team performance. Further, the present research aims to analyze the impact of CSE, team cohesion and organizational culture on team performance as antecedents. Design/methodology/approach The study has adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey method where the data were collected from Indian working professionals who belonged to GenY and GenZ generational cohorts. Further, a total of 370 responses were received, and thereafter, the data were analyzed by employing significant statistical tests such as exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), structural equation modeling (SEM) and an independent samples t -test. Findings The study results revealed that GenY and GenZ cohorts significantly differ on CSE, team cohesion and organizational culture. However, no significant difference was reported in team performance between these two generational cohorts. Also, the study results disclosed that CSE, team cohesion and organizational culture positively influence team performance by acting as its determinants. Practical implications The study reports differences between GenY and GenZ that would assist managers in effectively dealing with these generational cohorts and formulating human resource (HR) policies that can accommodate the needs of these two cohorts. Additionally, the study benefits managers by highlighting the importance of core-self evaluations, team cohesion and organizational culture to enhance team performance. Originality/value Existing research depicts that there lies a paucity of generational studies in the Indian context. The present study attempts to address this lacuna by putting pioneering efforts into this field. The main contribution of the study lies in empirically investigating the Indian generational cohorts (GenY and GenZ) in the organizations. Further, the study has also conceptualized and examined a team performance model by considering factors at three levels (individual, team and organization).