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Team Problem Solving and Motivation under Disorganization – An agent-based modeling approach.

Herath, D., Costello, J. and Homberg, F., 2017. Team Problem Solving and Motivation under Disorganization – An agent-based modeling approach. Team Performance Management, 23 (1/2), 46-65.

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DOI: 10.1108/TPM-10-2015-0046

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims at simulating on how “disorganization” affects team problem solving. The prime objective is to determine how team problem solving varies between an organized and disorganized environment also considering motivational aspects. Design/methodology/approach Using agent-based modeling, the authors use a real-world data set from 226 volunteers at five different types of non-profit organizations in Southwest England to define some attributes of the agents. The authors introduce the concepts of natural, structural and functional disorganization while operationalizing natural and functional disorganization. Findings The simulations show that “disorganization” is more conducive for problem solving efficiency than “organization” given enough flexibility (range) to search and acquire resources. The findings further demonstrate that teams with resources above their hierarchical level (access to better quality resources) tend to perform better than teams that have only limited access to resources. Originality/value The nuanced categories of “(dis-)organization” allow us to compare between various structural limitations, thus generating insights for improving the way managers structure teams for better problem solving.

Item Type:Article
ISSN:1758-6860
Uncontrolled Keywords:Agent Based Modeling; Public Service Motivation; Volunteer Organizations; Disorganization
Group:Faculty of Media & Communication
ID Code:24668
Deposited By: Symplectic RT2
Deposited On:31 Aug 2016 16:08
Last Modified:14 Mar 2022 13:58

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