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Effects of openness, problem solving, and blaming on learning: an experiment in China
Dean Tjosvold1, Haifa F Sun, Paulina Wan
1Department of Management, Lingnan University, Hong Kong, China. tjosvold@ln.edu.hk
The Journal of Social Psychology
|December 13, 2005
Summary
Open discussion and problem-solving foster organizational learning by encouraging idea adoption and improving relationships. These approaches promote cooperative interdependence, unlike avoidance and blaming which create competitive struggles.
Area of Science:
- Organizational Behavior
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Interdependence and interaction are vital for organizational learning.
- Understanding how communication styles impact idea adoption is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of open discussion versus avoidance and problem-solving versus blaming on organizational learning.
- To explore the role of perceived cooperative interdependence in mediating these effects.
Main Methods:
- An experiment was conducted with 80 participants in China.
- Participants engaged in either open discussion or avoidance, and problem-solving or blaming scenarios.
- Outcomes measured included exploration, integration, and adoption of alternative ideas, and interpersonal relationship strength.
Main Results:
- Open discussion and problem-solving significantly stimulated idea exploration, integration, and adoption.
- These positive communication styles also strengthened interpersonal relationships.
- Avoidance and blaming led to competitive struggles and commitment to original ideas, hindering learning.
Conclusions:
- Openness and problem-solving foster a cooperative interdependence, enhancing learning and relationships.
- Competitive communication styles like avoidance and blaming impede the adoption of new ideas.
- Promoting cooperative interdependence is key to effective organizational learning and innovation.
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