Purpose - The purpose of this article was to identify and study common incentives for teamwork.

Design/methodology/approach - The study was designed as a case study. The case consists of teamwork at a univer-sity hospital. At the hospital, ten psychiatric teams were studied for a period of four years (2008-2011). Each team was followed for 12–18 months. Data were collected through interviews (n = 48) and observations (n = 52) of the teamwork at treatment conferences.

Findings - The common incentives identified consist of shared responsibility, appreciation and long-sightedness. The incidence of a silent contract is highlighted as an explanation for the team's cohesion.

Research limitations/implications - The study is conducted in a public organisation within one field. The results should therefore be interpreted with some caution.

Practical implications - The study is useful for practitioners to understand the importance of common incentives as a collective driving force. By developing well-adapted common incentives, the practical work can be developed, refined and improved.

Originality/value - The significance of common incentives and the unspoken contract in the team is identified.