Team narcissism and team learning: the role of team envy and team leader humility

Purpose This study aims to explore the impact of team narcissism on team learning. Specifically, we suggest that team envy mediates the influence of team narcissism on team learning. Motivated by social comparison, we further propose that team leader humility moderates these relationships. Design/methodology/approach Using multi-time-point survey data from 301 employees, we tested our model using PROCESS analyses. Findings The empirical results show that (1) team narcissism decreases team learning by increasing team envy and (2) team leader humility moderates not only the relationship between team narcissism and team envy but also the indirect effect of team narcissism on team learning via team envy. The relationship between team narcissism and team envy, as well as the resulting indirect effect on team learning, is weaker when team leader humility is higher. Originality/value We provide a theoretical basis to explain the influence of team narcissism on team learning and provide practical recommendations for the management of team members.