Title
Effects of openness, problem solving, and blaming on learning : an experiment in China
Document Type
Journal article
Source Publication
Journal of Social Psychology
Publication Date
12-1-2005
Volume
145
Issue
6
First Page
629
Last Page
644
Keywords
Cooperation and competition, Decision making, Group and teams, Learning
Abstract
Researchers have considered interdependence and interaction among individuals and groups as critical for promoting learning in organizations. In an experiment with 80 participants in China, the present authors found that (a) open discussion compared with avoiding discussion and (b) problem solving compared with blaming stimulated the exploration, integration, and adoption of alternative ideas in addition to strengthening interpersonal relationships. The results also indicated the possibility that openness and problem solving have these effects by developing a perceived cooperative interdependence that encourages people to believe that incorporating alternative ideas can help them succeed. Avoidance and blaming, on the other hand, seemed to result in a competitive struggle to see who could impose their ideas on the other, leaving people committed to their original thinking.
DOI
10.3200/SOCP.145.6.629-644
Print ISSN
00224545
E-ISSN
19401183
Publisher Statement
Copyright © 2005 Taylor & Francis
Access to external full text or publisher's version may require subscription.
Full-text Version
Publisher’s Version
Language
English
Recommended Citation
Tjosvold, D., Sun, H. F., & Wan, P. (2005). Effects of openness, problem solving, and blaming on learning: An experiment in China. Journal of Social Psychology, 145(6), 629-644. doi: 10.3200/SOCP.145.6.629-644
