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Cognitive styles and teamwork: examining the impact of team composition on team processes and outcomes
Vanderheyden, Karlien Lommelen, Ben Cools, Eva
Vanderheyden, Karlien
Lommelen, Ben
Cools, Eva
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Publication Type
Working paper
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Supervisor
Publication Year
2010
Journal
Book
Publication Volume
Publication Issue
10
Publication Begin page
Publication End page
Publication NUmber of pages
43
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Abstract
The question whether diversity is advantageous or disadvantageous for teams has yet to be resolved. The present research investigates the effect of cognitive diversity on team processes and outcomes through two successive studies with experimental team tasks involving 57 teams of management students (N = 288). Team composition in each of the studies was manipulated on the basis of students’ cognitive profiles, as measured with the Cognitive Style Indicator (CoSI), leading to homogeneously composed teams, semi homogeneous teams, and heterogeneous teams. Contrary to previous research, the time needed to complete the task was longer in homogeneous teams than in semi-homogeneous and heterogeneous teams, and team composition had no effect on performance or satisfaction. Apart from heterogeneous teams showing to be more task oriented, there seemed to be no relationship between team composition and team process variables, including perceived relational orientation, and groupthink. However, in the different homogeneous teams, the perception of individuals with different cognitive styles did vary on these dimensions. Cognitive styles were also significantly related to preferences for certain task types. The relevance of these findings is discussed in the light of the recruitment and staffing decisions and pathways for future research are indicated.
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Keywords
Team Diversity, Cognitive Styles, Team Effectiveness, Team Satisfaction, Task Orientation, Relational Orientation