In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of shared leadership within and across teams in multiteam systems (MTS) on team goal attainment and MTS success.

Due to different and sometimes competing goals in MTS, leadership is required within and across teams. Shared leadership, the effectiveness of which has been proven in single teams, may be an effective strategy to cope with these challenges.

We observed leadership in 84 cockpit and cabin crews that collaborated in the form of six-member MTS aircrews (N = 504) during standardized simulations of an in-flight emergency. Leadership was coded by three trained observers using a structured observation system. Team goal attainment was assessed by two subject matter experts using a checklist-based rating tool. MTS goal attainment was measured objectively on the basis of the outcome of the simulated flights.

In successful MTS aircrews, formal leaders and team members displayed significantly more leadership behaviors, shared leadership by pursers and flight attendants predicted team goal attainment, and pursers’ shared leadership across team boundaries predicted cross-team goal attainment. In cockpit crews, leadership was not shared and captains’ vertical leadership predicted team goal attainment regardless of MTS success.

The results indicate that in general, shared leadership positively relates to team goal attainment and MTS success, whereby boundary spanners’ dual leadership role is key.

Leadership training in MTS should address shared rather than merely vertical forms of leadership, and component teams in MTS should be trained together with emphasis on boundary spanners’ dual leadership role. Furthermore, team members should be empowered to engage in leadership processes when required.