Smart community networks: self‐directed team effectiveness in action

Purpose – The purpose of this research paper is to study the governance of smart/intelligent community projects through an analysis of the level of team effectiveness of collaborative telecommunication networks. Design/methodology/approach – The research is based on a census of all Canadian smart community projects. A high‐performance team effectiveness instrument identified, through a performance score, whether smart community teams (board of directors or steering committees) are functioning as high‐performance teams. A total of 76 networks were found and 28 responded. Each network is managed by three to nine board members and therefore the researcher received 72 valid questionnaires. Findings – Teams, in highly innovative and transformational environments, and involving a variety of community stakeholders, face more challenges in their ability to perform as a high‐performance team. They tend to perform reasonably well in assigning roles and goals, but are having more difficulty managing feedback, establishing a good structure, solving problems and managing relationships. Practical implications – Smart/intelligent communities are reuniting several organizations to improve their community or region in social and economic terms. Their level of effectiveness could impact the achievement of group goals and thus impact all citizens within their geographic area. Originality/value – The research provides additional information on the weaknesses that smart/intelligent communities are facing in managing their teams, which could lead to better solutions for network governance and collaboration within a multi‐organizational structure.