Graduation Date
6-2010
Document Type
Thesis
Department/Program Conferring Degree
Psychology
Keywords
team cognition, team mental models, personality, team processes, implicit coordination
Abstract
Despite recent interest in the concept of team cognition, relatively little is known about the development of mental model (MM) similarity in teams. The current study examined several potential antecedents of MM similarity, in addition to the consequences and changes in similarity over time, using a longitudinal design with teams that closely resemble top management teams. Theory and research regarding team processes suggest that certain team processes may be especially relevant for the development of MM similarity. Certain personality facets may also be related to the development of MM similarity, through their influence on team processes. Specifically, it was hypothesized that the personality composition of teams with respect to both trust and cooperation would be positively related to MM similarity through the mediating role of planning. The hypotheses related to antecedents of MM similarity were not supported. It was further hypothesized that MM similarity would be positively related to team performance through the mediating role of implicit coordination. Indeed, MM similarity had a positive, albeit marginally significant, impact on implicit coordination, which in turn had a positive impact on team performance. However, the indirect effect of MM similarity on team performance was non-significant. Finally, it was hypothesized that MM similarity would increase overtime. However, there were no significant differences in MM similarity within teams across the multiple data collection waves.
Recommended Citation
Fisher, David, "Trust and cooperation as antecedents of team cognition: A temporal examination of the life cycle of team mental models" (2010). College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences Theses and Dissertations. 46.
https://via.library.depaul.edu/etd/46