The purpose of this thesis is to get a better understanding of how diversity influences the work process in a cooperation project. Because the cooperation project is becoming a more common phenomenon, it is interesting to learn more about how diversity has an impact on its work processes and characteristics. Hopefully this study can be one input to managers in making decisions about if a task shall be carried out in a cooperation project group or not, and if that should be the case, what implications this can have on the project and its outcomes.
The research question is:
How can diversity influence the work process in a cooperation project?
Method: The thesis focuses on the development of the work process in a cooperation project, where the participants come from different organizations, and where there is a high degree of diversity. This is done through a literature review, observations and interviews.
Contents
CHAPTER 1,
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
1.2 Cooperation projects open up for diversity
1.2.1 The work process and group development
1.3 Aim/ purpose/ research question
1.3.1 What is new in this study?
1.3.2 How can this study be of use?
1.4 Outline of each chapter
CHAPTER TWO,
METHODOLOGY
2.1 Methodology discussion
2.1.1 Interviews
2.1.2 Observation
2.1.3 Literature studies
2.2 Analysis
CHAPTER THREE,
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
3.1 Uncertainty and complexity
3.2 Diversity
3.2.1 Diversity implies negotiations
3.2.2 Interests and conflicting interests
3.2.3 Diverse objectives
3.2.4 Motivational orientation
3.2.5 Trust
3.3 The FIRO-model- development phases in a project
CHAPTER FOUR,
EMPIRICAL STUDY
4.1 Cooperation for increased competitiveness
4.2 Organization of the cooperation
4.3 The project group
4.4 The project assignment
CHAPTER FIVE,
ANALYSIS
5.1 The FIRO-model in relation to a cooperation project
5.1.1 The FIRO-model useful also for diversity?
5.2 How diversity in interests influences the work process
5.2.1 Delegated responsibility
5.2.2 Impact of hidden and subtle interests
5.2.3 Balancing competition and teamwork
5.3 A general assignment- a solution to diversity in objectives?
5.4 A positive group climate
5.5 A win-win solution despite diversity
5.6 Support of an administrative structure
5.7 Environmental factors
CHAPTER SIX,
CONCLUSIONS
6.1 Conclusions and discussion
6.1.1 Diversity and its influence on the work process
6.1.2 A new concept of “Changing motivational orientation”
6.1.3 A new orientation called “More than cooperative”
6.1.4 The “claiming-creation dilemma” is not always applicable
6.1.5 Environmental factors
6.1.6 Delegated responsibility
6.1.7 The importance of formal position
6.1.8 The FIRO-model is relevant also for cooperation projects
6.2 Practical implications
6.3 Suggestions to further research
References
Author: Sofia M Westerberg
Source: Blekinge Institute of Technology
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