Creating a high-performance exhibitor team: A temporary-organization perspective

Abstract Participation in business events such as meetings, conventions and exhibitions is costly, and building a high-performance team is vital. This study examines the key influential factors of team performance from the perspective of the “temporary organization”. Using a sample of 516 individuals employed by exhibitors attending trade shows, we demonstrate that “servant leadership” and “swift trust” are the two crucial factors in improving an exhibitor team’s performance. Specifically, two dimensions of servant leadership, namely conceptual skills and commitment to the growth of people, contribute directly to team performance. Swift trust not only has a positive direct influence on team performance but is also a partial mediator between servant leadership and team performance. The results have implications for managers seeking to create a high-performance temporary team.