An Ising-based approach to the study of inter-organizational team dynamics

Abstract

In this paper inter-organizational teams are analyzed using the social network perspective, identifying three types of networks, i.e., the hierarchical, the knowledge, and the friendship ones. The main team dynamic concerning how team members change opinions is investigated by employing the Ising model of social interactions, with the aim of investigating the team performance in terms of conflict reduction and final level of agreement. A simulation analysis is carried out to assess the effect of the environment as well as of the team size, the density, and the connectivity of the social networks, on team performance. Results confirm that the team size, the network density and a random connectivity positively impact team performance, while environmental turbulence negatively affects the team performance.