Using Discrepancy Theory to Examine the Relationship between Shared Cognition and Group Outcomes
Document Type
Article
Department or Administrative Unit
Management
Publication Date
7-1-2006
Abstract
Purpose
This empirical study tests hypothesized relationships between team effectiveness and a measure of shared cognition that quantifies the degree of similarity between knowledge of the actual group and beliefs about preferred group states.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed model of shared cognition is based upon the triadic structure of actual‐ideal‐ought cognitive representations employed within self‐discrepancy theory. Self discrepancy theory proposes that the degree of discrepancy (similarity) between cognitive representations of the actual self and representations of both the ideal and ought self represents particular emotional situations. This study elevates the concept of a self‐state representation to the group level by asking group members to list attributes associated with the actual, ideal and ought group‐states (group‐state representations). Shared cognition for 56 project teams is measured by comparing the actual group‐state representations of each member with both the ideal and ought group‐state representations of the other members. This extends the measurement of shared cognition beyond the aggregation of individual measures and creates the potential for capturing group level cognition structures that have the potential to evoke affect, influence motivation and impact outcomes.
Findings
Hypotheses proposing a relationship between team effectiveness and both shared actual‐ideal and shared actual‐ought group‐state representations, mediated by cohesion and confidence in the team's ability, respectively, are mostly supported.
Originality/value
By examining the degree of similarity between perceptions of what currently exists (knowledge) and what is preferred (belief) this research examines evaluative cognitive structures that have the potential to evoke affect, influence motivation and impact on outcomes.
Recommended Citation
Coetzer, G. H., & Bushe, G. R. (2006). Using discrepancy theory to examine the relationship between shared cognition and group outcomes. Team Performance Management: An International Journal, 12(5/6), 155–161. https://doi.org/10.1108/13527590610687910
Journal
Team Performance Management
Rights
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Comments
This article was originally published in Team Performance Management. The full-text article from the publisher can be found here.
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