The interplay between mean and fluctuating E × B shear flows has been investigated in the ISTTOK edge plasma. The GAM shearing rate was found to be lower (by a factor of 2–3) than that of the mean flow but comparable to the turbulence decorrelation rate. A competition between GAMs and intermittent-like turbulent transport is observed leading to a dynamic view of plasma transport. External plasma biasing was found to modify the fluctuating shear flow. Negative bias induces a significant increase in the mean E × B shear flows, reducing turbulence and consequently suppressing the GAMs. On the other hand, an increase in the long-range correlation is observed for positive bias associated with a modest increase in the mean shear flow that might be interpreted as an enhanced energy transfer from the turbulence into large-scale, zonal flow-like structures.