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Collectivistic and Individualistic Values: Their Effects on Group Dynamics and Productivity in China

Author

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  • Dean Tjosvold

    (Lingnan University)

  • Kenneth S. Law

    (Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

  • Haifa F. Sun

    (Sun Yat-Sen University)

Abstract

Collectivistic and individualistic values are theorized to have far reaching effects on teamwork and organizations. This study proposes that cooperative and competitive goal interdependence mediates the relationship between these values and group interaction and outcomes. Working in State Owned Enterprises in three regions of China, 689 employees in 194 teams indicated their group's values, goal interdependence, constructive controversy, and productivity. Their managers also reported on the extent these teams were productive. Structural equation analysis suggested that collectivistic values may reinforce cooperative goals and an open-minded discussion of views which in turn results in strong relationships and team productivity, as experienced from both the team's and manager's perspectives. Individualistic values, especially the horizontal version, can have contrasting effects through fostering competitive goals and closed-minded discussion. These results, coupled with previous research, suggest that collectivist values, cooperative goals, and constructive controversy provide an important foundation for productive teamwork.

Suggested Citation

  • Dean Tjosvold & Kenneth S. Law & Haifa F. Sun, 2003. "Collectivistic and Individualistic Values: Their Effects on Group Dynamics and Productivity in China," Group Decision and Negotiation, Springer, vol. 12(3), pages 243-263, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:grdene:v:12:y:2003:i:3:d:10.1023_a:1023383200180
    DOI: 10.1023/A:1023383200180
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    Cited by:

    1. William W. Baber, 2018. "Identifying Macro Phases Across the Negotiation Lifecycle," Group Decision and Negotiation, Springer, vol. 27(6), pages 885-903, December.
    2. Dean Tjosvold & Ann Chunyan Peng & Nancy Yifeng Chen & Sofia Su Fang, 2013. "Individual Decision-Making in Organizations: Contribution of Uncertainty and Controversy in China," Group Decision and Negotiation, Springer, vol. 22(4), pages 801-821, July.
    3. Kexi Xu & Hui Gao & Jieyu Su & Haijun Bao & Bingqian Zhan & Chun Jiang & Liuzhao Chen, 2022. "Accommodation and Avoidance: Functional Conflict Theory (FCT)-Based Governance Logic of Resettled Community Conflict in China," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-21, October.
    4. A. Georges L. Romme, 2004. "Unanimity Rule and Organizational Decision Making: A Simulation Model," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 15(6), pages 704-718, December.

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