A study of crowd-collaborative learning: an empirical study

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 622-635
Author(s):  
Wen-Shan Lin ◽  
Yi-Ju Wang ◽  
Hong-Ren Chen
Keyword(s):  
Collaborative Learning ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Social Comparison ◽  
Hierarchical Linear Modeling ◽  
Group Performance ◽  
Learning Performance ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Group Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Group Members

Purpose Information technology is widely applied for completing group tasks and enhancing learning in computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) environment. Group members not only complete tasks but also learn ideas from other members of the group. These ideas can be better than what individual could come up with. As these ideas are referred as an upward comparison in the perspective of social comparison theory. However, there are limited studies that provide evidence in investigating how social comparison orientation (SCO) perceived by individual learner impacts on learning and group performance. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach This study experimentally tackles this problem at both individual and group level. An experimental study was applied in this study. Structural equation modeling and hierarchical linear modeling approaches are used to validate the data. Findings Results of 168 subjects reveal that SCO does have associations with group performance and learning performance respectively. Discussions and implications for literature and practice are given at the end of the paper. Originality/value This study confirms that the social genesis occurs more effectively through social interactions in CSCL. It also extends our understandings about the impacts of SCO. Results reveal that the higher level of SCO adopted by group members, the higher level of social interactions at group level can be triggered. As a result, the group performance can be enhanced. On one hand, these findings bridge the research gap in terms of investigating the notion of SCT on CSCL. On the other hand, it provides a possible solution in alleviating the problem of social loafing as commonly observed in CSCL. Therefore, these findings fulfilled the two research objectives.

scholarly journals Relative leader-member relationships within group context

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 582-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hassan Abu Bakar ◽  
Leah M. Omilion-Hodges
Keyword(s):  
Hierarchical Linear Modeling ◽  
Polynomial Regression ◽  
Group Performance ◽  
Cooperative Behavior ◽  
Group Leaders ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Group Cooperation ◽  
Member Exchange ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Group Member

Purpose Although the importance of group leader and group member dyadic relationships has been increasingly emphasized, only few studies have focused on the dyadic level analysis of leader–member relationships. By integrating theories of relational leadership and relational dyadic communication among workgroups, the purpose of this paper is to propose a theoretical model that links relative leader–member exchange quality (RLMX) and relative leader–member conversation quality (RLMCQ) to group performance, as mediated by group cooperation. Design/methodology/approach The model was tested in a field study with multiple sources, including 232 leader–member dyads and 407 workgroup peer dyads among 70 intact workgroups. Data were collected on-site during paid working hours from four training sessions. Group members were surveyed four times (Time 1, Time 2 and Time 3) and group leaders were surveyed once (Time 4) to minimize common method bias. The hierarchical linear modeling and polynomial regression approach were used to determine the mediating effects of the group cooperation. Findings In this study, the authors found support for indirect effects of relative RLMX and RLMCQ on group performance through the mediating role of group cooperation. Research limitations/implications The cross-sectional design of the current study is to be interpreted with caution, concerning any conclusions about the causal ordering of the variables in the model. Practical implications In organizational situations with group leaders and group members already in high-quality relationships and conversation, management should endeavor to facilitate opportunities for cooperation among group members and a means to also enhance team–member exchange. Originality/value By introducing LMCQ and group member cooperative behavior in workgroups, this study actively respond to the scholars’ warnings that ignoring the workgroup context may hamper the progress in understanding the factors that will inhibit or enhance workgroup behavior.

Exploring individual-level and group-level levers for inter-organizational knowledge transfer

2014 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 274-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Merok Paulsen ◽  
Kjell Brynjulf Hjertø
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Hierarchical Linear Modeling ◽  
Absorptive Capacity ◽  
Explanatory Power ◽  
Organizational Knowledge ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Individual Autonomy ◽  
Group Level ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – This purpose of this article is to contribute to the research on the role of individual and group-level autonomy and absorptive capacity for inter-organizational knowledge transfer. Design/methodology/approach – The study investigated a field sample of 274 individual participants in 82 groups who were taking part in a large-scale benchmarking project in the Norwegian public sector. Hypotheses were developed and tested by using multiple regression, structural equation modeling and hierarchical linear modeling and included an empirical test of moderator effects. Findings – The findings suggest that individual and group autonomy, along with individual experiences of absorptive capacity, supports complementarily inter-organizational knowledge transfer. Research limitations/implications – The study reinforces the idea that individual and group autonomy are enabling conditions for knowledge transfer from project settings to parent organizations. Absorptive capacity, in line with more recent theorizing, is conceived of and measured as an organizational meta-routine, and we recommend replication of this study in various multi-level settings using longitudinal designs. Practical implications – The study encourages managers to focus on distributing powers to individual facilitation and boundary-spanning roles and on creating cross-functional venues that promote the sharing of knowledge across different organizational units. The study also recommends that practitioners pay attention to the prominent role of autonomy at both the individual and group levels to support the dissemination of knowledge across boundaries. Originality/value – The study provides empirical evidence regarding the simultaneous role of individual autonomy, group autonomy and absorptive capacity that together provide the explanatory power required for knowledge transfer in inter-organizational settings.

Unraveling the links between active and passive social media usage and seniors' loneliness: a field study in aging care communities

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shufang Yang ◽  
Lin Huang ◽  
Yanli Zhang ◽  
Pengzhu Zhang ◽  
Yuxiang Chris Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Field Study ◽  
Social Comparison ◽  
Social Presence ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Media Usage ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe literature reports inconsistent findings about the effects of social media usage (SMU). Researchers distinguish between active and passive social media usage (ASMU and PSMU), which can generate different effects on users by social support and social comparison mechanisms, respectively. Drawing on social presence theory (SPT), this study integrates an implicit social presence mechanism with the above two mechanisms to explicate the links between SMU and seniors' loneliness.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from a field study by interviewing seniors living in eight aging care communities in China. Loneliness, social media activities and experiences with social media in terms of online social support (OSS), upward social comparison (USC) and social presence (SP) were assessed. Factor-based structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.FindingsOSS can mediate the relationship between ASMU and seniors' loneliness. Moreover, SP mediates between ASMU, PSMU, and seniors' loneliness, and between OSS, USC and seniors' loneliness. OSS mediates the relationship between ASMU and SP, and USC mediates the relationship between PSMU and SP.Practical implicationsThis study shows that social media can alleviate seniors' loneliness, which could help relieve the pressures faced by health and social care systems. Social presence features are suggested to help older users interact with social health technologies in socially meaningful ways.Originality/valueThis study not only demonstrates that SP can play a crucial role in the relationship between both ASMU and PSMU and loneliness, but also unravels the links between SP and OSS, as well as USC.

scholarly journals Group-works: exploring multiplex networks, leadership and group performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 227-245 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela Yeow ◽  
Alison Dean ◽  
Danielle Tucker ◽  
Linda Pomeroy
Keyword(s):  
Positive Reinforcement ◽  
Group Performance ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Group Effectiveness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Multiplex Networks ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Knowledge Intensive

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of “multiplex” (multiple overlapping) networks and leadership on group performance in a higher education setting. Design/methodology/approach Using a combination of social network analysis and interviews, the authors employ a case study approach to map the connections between academic group members. This paper analyses the relationship between this mapping and academic performance. Findings The authors identified two dimensions which influence group effectiveness: multiplex networks and distributed–coordinated leadership. Where networks are built across tasks, inter-relationships develop that lead to greater group performance. Practical implications Where group members create a dense hive of interconnectivity and are active across all group tasks, and also informally, this increases the opportunity for knowledge sharing. When this is similarly experienced by a majority of group members, there is positive reinforcement, resulting in greater group effectiveness. Originality/value This paper highlights the importance of the richness of formal ties in knowledge-intensive settings. This paper is the first to differentiate between formal connections between colleagues related to different tasks within their role. This suggests that dense configurations of informal ties are insufficient; they must be coupled with strong ties around formal activity and demonstrative leadership.

Intelligent tutoring systems and learning performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 600-616 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Yuce ◽  
A. Mohammed Abubakar ◽  
Mustafa Ilkan
Keyword(s):  
Student Satisfaction ◽  
Intelligent Tutoring Systems ◽  
Intelligent Tutoring ◽  
Knowledge System ◽  
Learning Performance ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tutoring Systems ◽  
Constructive Feedback ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) are a supplemental educational tool that offers great benefits to students and teachers. The systems are designed to focus on an individual’s characteristics, needs and preferences in an effort to improve student outcomes. Despite the potential benefits of such systems, little work has been done to investigate the impact of ITS on users. To provide a more nuanced understanding of the effectiveness of ITS, the purpose of this paper is to explore the role of several ITS parameters (i.e. knowledge, system, service quality and task–technology fit (TTF)) in motivating, satisfying and helping students to improve their learning performance. Design/methodology/approach Data were obtained from students who used ITS, and a structural equation modeling was deployed to analyze the data. Findings Data analysis revealed that the quality of knowledge, system and service directly impacted satisfaction and improved TTF for ITS. It was found that TTF and student satisfaction with ITS did not generate higher learning performance. However, student satisfaction with ITS did improve learning motivation and resulted in superior learning performance. Data suggest this is due to students receiving constant and constructive feedback while simultaneously collaborating with their peers and teachers. Originality/value This study verifies that there was a need to assess the benefits of ITS. Based on the study’s findings, theoretical and practical implications are proposed.

Beyond the unidimensional collective leadership model

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 675-696 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria J Mendez ◽  
Jon P. Howell ◽  
James W. Bishop
Keyword(s):  
Group Performance ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Two Dimensional ◽  
Leadership Roles ◽  
Dimensional Model ◽  
Collective Leadership ◽  
Internal Dynamics ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Two Dimensional Model ◽  
Group Members

Purpose – A theoretical analysis evidences the existence of multiple patterns of collective leadership and serves as foundation for the proposal of a two-dimensional model of collective leadership, which evaluates leadership sharedness (the extent to which leadership roles are shared by group members), and leadership distribution (the extent to which different leadership roles are permanently assigned to group members). The relationship between these dimensions and committee effectiveness is further tested. Design/methodology/approach – A social networks methodology is used with a sample of 28 committees. Two complementary network properties (centralization and density) are used to operationalize leadership sharedness and a new measure is developed to operationalize leadership distribution. Stepwise regressions test the relation between collective leadership dimensions and performance. Findings – The model proposed advances the understanding of collective leadership’s internal dynamics and facilitates empirical comparisons of the effectiveness of various forms of collective leadership. The highest committee performance was found in groups where members contribute equally to charismatic and supportive leadership but only when these equal contributions were high. In collective directive and participative leadership, however, equality of contribution was associated to higher performance independently on the strength of members’ contributions. No relationship was found between the distribution of leadership roles among group members and committee performance. Research limitations/implications – A small sample size may have reduced hypothesis testing power. The intraclass corrections (ICC(2)) were lower than recommended. Finally, results cannot be extrapolated beyond committees, which have very unique characteristics due to their low typical interaction. Practical implications – Organizations can improve committee performance by ensuring high and equal participation of members in their group’s leadership through training and selection. Enhancing participation of all members in leadership requires special attention to women and members of minorities, that are typically attributed less leadership influence and whose commitment to the group may be hurt by lack of involvement. Originality/value – The two-dimensional model proposed goes beyond previously published models in exploring several aspects of collective leadership internal dynamics by advancing the understanding how different aspects of collective leadership patterns affect group performance.

An empirical examination of group emotional intelligence in public sector workgroups

2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 51-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umar Ghuman
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Public Sector ◽  
Group Performance ◽  
Group Learning ◽  
Learning Ability ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Group Level ◽  
Empirical Examination ◽  
Theoretical Understanding ◽  
Content Type

Purpose – Despite increased calls for incorporating emotional intelligence (EI) in workgroups and teams, there exists a need to develop empirical instruments that can measure group-level emotional intelligence (GEI), and assess its efficacy in predicting outcomes such as performance and learning ability. This paper aims to empirically demonstrate how GEI affects the performance and learning ability of public sector workgroups in city governments. Design/methodology/approach – Using Ghuman’s (2011) proposed theoretical model of GEI as a two-component system, an empirical instrument is created that measures GEI at the group level of analysis. Regression analyses are performed for 44 workgroups in the public sector organizations, with group performance and group learning ability as the dependent variables. Results show a significant positive relationship between GEI and the outcomes of group performance and group learning ability. Findings – The findings demonstrate that a competent instrument has been developed for GEI, and that it can be used to measure the construct in workgroups and teams. The results also empirically demonstrate the importance of GEI in workgroups, by demonstrating that an increased GEI positively enhances the group’s performance and learning ability. Research limitations/implications – The implication of this research is the creation and testing of an instrument that allows researchers in GEI to utilize this instrument for future studies concerning GEI. Practical implications – Such findings show that GEI can be an added resource for workgroups to foster positive within-group relations. It can assist in enhancing group learning and group performance. The study also demonstrates that groups that develop a group emotional awareness, and that can manage within group emotional relationships, may become more productive, and more able to learn. These results can be utilized to bolster the arguments of fostering within group emotional socialization, helping nurture a positive group culture and forming a culture of group affect, i.e. a clear understanding of how to perceive and manage affect within the group. Originality/value – The study builds on past theoretical understanding of GEI to create a model that showcases the effects of GEI on group outcomes such as group learning and group performance. It thereby fulfills a need for an empirical instrument that is able to measure GEI and utilize this instrument to ascertain the effect of GEI on group performance and group learning ability.

Mediators of ethical leadership and group performance outcomes

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 484-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.C. Peng ◽  
Julian Lin
Keyword(s):  
Ethical Leadership ◽  
Group Performance ◽  
Leadership Behaviors ◽  
Value Congruence ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Group Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Group Trust ◽  
Level Performance

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between ethical leadership and group-level performance outcomes and show that group value congruence and group trust play pivotal mediating roles in the relationship between ethical leadership and work group performance outcomes. Design/methodology/approach To examine the proposed model, survey data from 116 branches of a baked goods and beverages chain located in Northern Taiwan were analyzed. Findings The results revealed that ethical leadership was positively and significantly related to group in-role performance and group helping behavior; the relationship was fully mediated by group value congruence and group trust after controlling for idealized influence leadership. Research limitations/implications This study features a cross-sectional study design, thus limiting the accuracy of inferences about causality. Practical implications The results of the current study revealed that ethical leadership behaviors enhance group trust. Hence, these leadership behaviors could be among the best and most appropriate practices to be implemented in China and Taiwan. Originality/value The data suggested that ethical leadership was associated with not only individual-level behavior but also group-level performance. Furthermore, this paper also uncovered the mediation mechanism through which ethical leadership enhances group performance.

Envy climate and group performance in full-service hotels: the roles of intragroup relationship conflict and competitive climate

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen Wu ◽  
Dan Ni ◽  
Shaoxue Wu ◽  
Lu Lu ◽  
Xijing Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Group Performance ◽  
Relationship Conflict ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Functional Perspective ◽  
Group Members ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The extant literature mainly focuses on the antecedents and outcomes of envy at the individual level. Workgroups have become ideal units for research on envy given the ubiquitous teamwork in organizations. This study aims to examine whether, how and when envy climate can influence group performance. Design/methodology/approach The authors analyzed data collected in three waves from a sample of 72 groups with 475 team members in full-service hotels in China. Findings Envy climate was negatively associated with group performance via intragroup relationship conflict. Furthermore, competitive climate moderated the effect of envy climate on intragroup relationship conflict and the indirect effect of envy climate on group performance through intragroup relationship conflict. Practical implications The present research offers organizations valuable insights into how to minimize the climate of envy and competition within a group and relieve the relationship conflict that may damage group performance. Originality/value Drawing on a social functional perspective of emotions, this study enriches the envy research by conceptualizing envy climate as a collective perception and clarifying its effect on group performance. The authors extend the understanding of envy climate by showing how a climate of envy embedded in a group influences group performance and also explain when group members may be more likely to act in a destructive way to respond to such a climate.

Chinese students’ group work performance: does team personality composition matter?

2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 290-309
Author(s):  
Kwok Hung Lau ◽  
Qian Jin
Keyword(s):  
University Students ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Group Work ◽  
Work Performance ◽  
Group Performance ◽  
Chinese Education ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Team Personality

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate if team personality composition has any effect on group work performance of undergraduate students in China. Design/methodology/approach Using a questionnaire based on the Big-Five framework to collect data on personality traits, this study investigated whether in the Chinese education setting overall effectiveness of university students working in groups was related to the different personalities of the group members. Students of two undergraduate business programs jointly run by an Australian university and a Chinese university in Shanghai participated in the research. Findings The findings reveal that aggregated personality traits have no effect on team effectiveness but homogeneity in emotional stability among group members does have a positive impact on group performance. Based on a comprehensive review of studies concerning the Chinese education approach, it is believed that the outcome of this study may reflect to a certain extent the influence of traditional learning method on how university students interact with team members in group work hence affecting group performance. Research limitations/implications This study has surveyed 166 undergraduate students on their personality traits and performance in group work. A larger sample size can help improve the generalizability of the findings. Practical implications The findings of this study shed light on how group work can be used more effectively in learning through proper assessment task design and guidance from the facilitator. Social implications The outcome of this research also provides insight on how group work in higher education can better prepare students for the Chinese workforce. Originality/value While studies on relationship between personality mix and team effectiveness in business setting are plenty, there is relatively little research on how team personality composition can impact on group performance in education especially in Asian countries. This study is one of the first attempts to supplement the inadequacy in this regard.

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