The role of transactive memory systems, psychological safety and interpersonal conflict in hospital team performance.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand how task conflict and relationship conflict influence teams’ transactive memory systems (TMS) and by extension team performance. Design/methodology/approach Leveraging experiential learning theory and a popular operations management simulation tool, survey data from 341 students, who worked on 117 simulation teams, are collected. To examine the present hypotheses bootstrapping analysis and SPSS were used. Findings Both task and relationship conflict can significantly diminish TMS development, which in turn, inhibits team performance. Thus, when teams disagree on how to approach a task, conflict could diminish TMS formation. In addition, when one team member has a personal conflict with one or more members that it further amplifies the influence of task conflict. To address the negative influence of both task and relationship conflict, teams should develop processes to better utilize members’ specialized knowledge and work together in a coordinated manner. Research limitations/implications The research adds to the literature by articulating the mediating influence that relationship conflict has on task conflict. Furthermore, it highlights how teams can develop TMS as a means to improve team performance when using simulation tools as a teaching device. Originality/value This work broadens our understanding of the conditions under which educators can teach students about teams and teamwork capabilities. In addition, the authors expand the use of simulations as an experiential learning tool.

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Simulation Game Outcomes: A Multilevel Examination of Knowledge Sharing Norms, Transactive Memory Systems, and Individual Learning Goal Orientations

Simulation & Gaming ◽

10.1177/1046878120943255 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 51 (6) ◽

pp. 830-858 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Janice Francis Super ◽

Teresa K. Betts ◽

Heath Keller ◽

Joy Roach Humphreys

Keyword(s):

Knowledge Sharing ◽

Team Performance ◽

Memory Systems ◽

Goal Orientations ◽

Transactive Memory ◽

Individual Learning ◽

Planning System ◽

Simulation Game ◽

Transactive Memory Systems ◽

Learning Goal

Background. Because computer-based simulation games are widely used in university classrooms, it is important to investigate factors which can lead to effective student team performance and positive individual outcomes. Aim. This correlational study aimed to examine the effects of knowledge sharing norms, transactive memory systems, and individual learning goal orientations on game outcomes. Method. The setting for this study was an undergraduate logistics and supply chain class. The class uses a serious simulation game which is designed to realistically mimic the business transactions within an enterprise resource planning system (ERP). Cross-sectional surveys captured individual learning goal orientations. After multiple rounds of simulation game play, subsequent surveys captured student reactions, perceptions of knowledge sharing behaviors, and transactive memory systems. Results. Two sets of analyses were conducted using a sample of 100 undergraduates performing in 42 teams. At the group-level, OLS regression results suggest that, while there was no effect on objective team performance, knowledge sharing norms enhanced perceptions of team performance, and this effect was mediated through the development of transactive memory systems. For individual-level outcomes, multilevel results suggest that knowledge sharing norms were positively related to satisfaction with the team, but not satisfaction with the task. However, transactive memory systems were positively related both satisfaction with the team and satisfaction with the task. Individual learning goal orientation was positively related to satisfaction with the task but not satisfaction with the team. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that learning goal orientations and norms for knowledge sharing are linked to positive outcomes of team-based simulation game learning activities. Because learning goal orientations are malleable and norms for knowledge sharing can be encouraged, these factors are within the influence of the instructor. As such, they should be nurtured and developed through the active encouragement of experimentation, exploration, and communication between team members.

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