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System Dynamics Understanding in Projects: Information Sharing, Psychological Safety, and Performance Effects
Author(s) -
Bendoly Elliot
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
production and operations management
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.279
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1937-5956
pISSN - 1059-1478
DOI - 10.1111/poms.12024
Subject(s) - system dynamics , computer science , knowledge management , quality (philosophy) , information sharing , information system , dynamics (music) , systems thinking , process management , set (abstract data type) , perception , work (physics) , psychology , business , pedagogy , philosophy , epistemology , artificial intelligence , world wide web , electrical engineering , programming language , engineering , mechanical engineering , neuroscience
Systems thinking has proven useful in project management planning activities and has been suggested as a critical driver of a range of beneficial organizational behaviors. Yet, empirical evidence on the myriad of ways in which systems thinking can impact internal project dynamics and performance remains limited. This study focuses on one aspect of systems thinking in particular: the ability to recognize and understand the dynamics of systems and their features (e.g., feedback and delay). It makes use of a unique, large‐scale interview data set along with objective and structured survey data drawn from multiple sources associated with supply chain system implementation projects. Analysis suggests that an individual's understanding of system dynamics as well as the similarity of such understanding to that typical of their team is, in fact, a strong predictor of both perceptions of psychological safety and information sharing quality in project work. These outcomes appear to mediate the relationship between system dynamics understanding and performance.