The Mediating Effect of Cross-functional Communication on the Relationship between Task Interdependence and New Product Development Speed: A Proposed Model

New Product Development (NPD) strengthens competitive advantages from a wide range of industries. Despite its benefits, many innovative firms encounter difficulties in making new product successful due to cross-functional integration. Such cross-functionality may have either positive or negative predictions on team performance. To solve this problem, cross-functional communication among NPD team members plays a key role during development process by improving each other’s understanding and harmony in teams. The objective of this research is to propose the conceptual model that explains the reason why the impact of task interdependence on NPD speed is mediated by cross-functional communication. Communication is viewed as four dimensions, consisting of frequency, bi-directionality, formality, and quality. The relationships between these constructs are proposed. Also, directions for further research and implications are discussed for both academicians and practitioners from innovative companies.