Network Colloquium by Andy Pilny March 23rd at 11:30 am – 1:00 pm in B&E 435UV

Post date: Feb 19, 2018 8:13:44 PM

You are invited to a colloquium by Andy Pilny on Friday March 23rd at 11:30 am – 1:00 pm in B&E 435UV. Title and abstract below. Andy is a professor in UK's School of Communication. Learn more about him here: https://sites.google.com/site/andypilny2/ . Andy is a great speaker who excels in explaining things clearly.

The Influence of Dynamic Communication Patterns in Work Teams

The goal of this research is to examine the influence fixed and dynamic network structure in work teams during environments of uncertainty. To do this, we created an experiment in which teams of four participants must navigate a military-like terrain in a virtual environment (n = 32). The key team performance variable is coordination, measured here as the ability of the teams (i.e., two teams of two participants) to properly orchestrate a timed attack on insurgents. As input factors, we manipulated fixed network structure (centralized versus open) and information (accurate information versus innacurate information). As process factors, we measured real-time communication network interactions using relational event modeling to determine particular network profiles. Our results show three key findings. First, there was a positive main effect of the fixed centralized network structure. Second, there was a positive main effect of accurate information. Third, and most importantly, decentralized relational event profiles mediated the relationship between fixed open network structures and team coordination. That is, in open network structures, teams were more likely to create decentralized relational event communication patterns, which in turn, had a positive influence on team coordination. The results seem to suggest contingencies that can be applicable to theories of team network structure (e.g., relational coordination theory).