Harold J. Leavitt, a close colleague of Kurt Lewin and a specialist in group dynamics, is interested in the organization's influence on the motivation and performance of small groups.
He concluded that
egalitarian structures (where everyone has access to the same information) are preferable to hierarchical networks for group efficiency and morale. However, authoritarian (non-egalitarian) structures enable work to be started faster, are more controllable, and execute simple work more quickly.[1]
Leavitt and Jean Lipman-Blumen have called "hots groups" teams whose members trust each other and are stimulated by challenges, producing outstanding performance.
A few conditions must be met [2]:
Harold Leavitt published "Managerial Psychology" in 1958. So it's been over sixty years since studies showed that working in small teams is more effective and efficient...
[1] Maugeri, Salvatore. Théories de la motivation au travail - 2ème édition (Les Topos) (French Edition) . Dunod.
[2] https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_J._Leavitt#Le_concept_d'%C3%A9quipe_:_les_hots_groups