Contextualizing Faultlines: Exploring the Role of Environmental Contexts in Team Faultline Dynamics

Abstract

The purpose of this symposium is twofold: (1) to present a group of studies that investigate the importance of context in the study of faultlines; and (2) to create an environment that facilitates an open discussion about research on the integration of faultlines and context. Our studies examine the relationship between faultlines and context from three different perspectives: (1) the setting context may drive the variables that create a faultline; (2) the context acts as a moderator either strengthening or weakening the effects of a faultline; and (3) the context drives the types of moderators that should be studied. Li and Wan examine the role of context as a moderator of the relationship between faultlines in top management teams and firm performance in Chinese organizations. Bezrukova et al look at faultlines and major league baseball team performance and the extent to which psychological well-being and changing membership act as moderators. The geographical context of faultlines and possible instigators, stabilizers, and strengtheners are explored by Polzer and Kwan. Thatcher and Patel examine the role of temporal faultlines in teams that operate under high levels of time pressure. Lastly, Li et al examine board of director’s faultlines in family businesses and the regional and industry conditions in which they operate. The presentation session will end with one of the leading figures in the field of faultlines, Keith Murnighan, discussing the value of understanding the role of context in the study of faultlines and encouraging audience engagement in this important topic.Top Management Team Demographic Faultlines and Firm PerformancePresenter: Jiatao Li; Hong Kong U. of Science and TechnologyPresenter: Guoguang Wan; Hong Kong U. of Science and TechnologyFaultlines and Ultimate Performance in the Dynamic Environment of Baseball TeamsPresenter: Yekaterina Bezrukova; Santa Clara U.Presenter: David F Caldwell; Santa Clara U.Presenter: Jerry Burger; Santa Clara U.Presenter: Chester S. Spell; Rutgers U.The Geographical Context of Faultline ResearchPresenter: Jeffrey T. Polzer; Harvard U.Presenter: Lisa Kwan; Harvard U.Alignment and Refinement: The Temporal Context of FaultlinesPresenter: Sherry M Thatcher; U. of LouisvillePresenter: Pankaj C Patel; Ball State U.Faultlines in Board of Directors in Family BusinessesPresenter: Weiwen Li; Sun Yat-sen U.Presenter: Dora C. Lau; Chinese U. of Hong KongPresenter: Yongcong Huang; South China U. of Technology