The Forbes article draws on the findings of the study, published late last year in the Academy of Management Journal. De Hoogh and her co-authors investigated how team structures evolve over time and how this affects performance.

From flat to flexible

Flat teams where everyone has equal say are often seen as ideal. They can stimulate creativity and encourage participation. The research shows that this can work well, especially in the early stages of teamwork. However, as tasks become more complex or time pressure increases, this structure can become less effective.

The role of hierarchy

The findings highlight that successful teams often develop more hierarchical elements over time. Introducing clearer roles or leadership helps teams coordinate better and make decisions more efficiently when needed. Rather than being a drawback, hierarchy can support performance when it emerges at the right moment.

Adapting

By following teams over time, the study finds that high-performing teams adjust their structure as their work evolves. They move between more egalitarian and more hierarchical forms, depending on what the situation requires. Teams that remain strictly flat or rigidly hierarchical are less likely to perform as well as those that adapt.

What this means in practice

For organisations and teams, the key insight is to allow structure to change over time. For an entrepreneur, business owner or team lead, this means recognising when a team benefits from open collaboration and when clearer direction is needed. Flexibility in how a team is organised can make the difference between stagnation and sustained performance.

Publication details

Team Hierarchical Adaptability: Benefits for Team Coordination and Performance, Annebel De Hoogh (UvA Amsterdam Business School), Nicole Abi-Esber (London School of Economics), and Lindred L. Greer (University of Michigan). Published online: 11 December 2025.