What helps diverse teams to succeed?
According to a new study published in Organizational Science co-authored by McIntire Professor Kisha Lashley, analyzing do-it-yourself hobbyists known as Makers, diverse groups that share an emotional investment in a project—beyond sharing information—are more likely to be inspired by the contagious nature of excitement in the work, and to form a strong group identity.
An article for Newswise details findings of the paper, “Making Space for Emotions: Empathy, Contagion, and Legitimacy’s Double-Edged Sword,” which Lashley co-authored with Andreea Gorbatâi of the University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business and Cyrus Dioun of the University of Colorado Denver Business School. In explaining the wide-ranging skills of people involved in Maker Faire gatherings, they share the key idea that activities such as the projects undertaken at such events elicit positive emotional responses from members and are important factors in providing connection to a group or organization.
In addition to delving into the importance of emotion, empathy, and events that provide collective experiences, the research also discusses the pitfalls of growth and the “double-edged sword of legitimacy.”
Read the full article about Lashley’s work in Newswise here.
