Team Atmosphere Research Articles

Developing kinaesthetic competence and team dynamics : Aquality improvement project in astroke unit

Movement training for stroke patients is acrucial component of their treatment. Lack of time and staff are often described as limiting factors for the development of kinaesthetic competence. In contrast, apositive team atmosphere and awareness of kinaesthetics are seen to be beneficial. The goal of this quality improvement project was to promote the kinaesthetic competence of astroke unit (SU) nursing team and to investigate its influence on team dynamics. As ateam intervention for the project, abasic course in kinaesthetics in nursing, augmented by practical instructions, was conducted exclusively for the SU nursing team. The Kinaesthetics Competence Observation (KCO) instrument was used to determine competence development. The participants rated team dynamics on ascale of 0-10points. In all, 88% of the nursing team took part in the quality improvement project and successfully completed the basic course. The kinaesthetic competence improved by 4.2KCO points and the team dynamics also increased by around 2points. Abasic kinaesthetics course with practical instructions improves kinaesthetic competence. Continuous instruction, long-term process implementation and support from nursing managers are required to establish kinaesthetic competence in the long term. The results show that akinaesthetic training project carried out in this way has apositive influence not only on kinaesthetic competence but also on the dynamics of acare team.

Beyond Digital Literacy: Exploring Factors Affecting Digital Performance of University Staff

Digital literacy is essential but doesn’t guarantee digital performance. Many researchers consider factors such as attitude, cultural environment, or institutional setting in their frameworks when researching digital literacy. Yet, their significance often gets lost in a catalog of required skills and knowledge. Here we develop a model outlining factors influencing university personnel’s digital performance across diverse tasks, and we discuss associated challenges. The model derives from literature and insights from 20 qualitative interviews with academic staff in teaching, research, or consulting roles. Results show that institutional settings and employee empowerment are pivotal in shaping openness to digital tools. Intentions fail due to resource constraints and lack of recognition, leading to limited experience with digital opportunities. Well-being significantly influences willingness to embrace digital resources amidst the balancing act of anticipating future efficiency against investing time and resources. Maintaining a team atmosphere often results in alignment with the least digitally competent. With appropriate conditions, time resources, and support, staff could efficiently utilize digital resources, even with only basic skills, which fosters the integration of all workforces. We argue for comprehensive assessments of university employees’ digital performances, considering context and holistic aspects beyond personal skills and knowledge. Our model encompasses digital literacy, openness to digital developments, digital culture, primary conditions, services/empowerment offerings, and mindfulness.

The Impact of Adaptive Leadership in Badminton Coaching on Player Development

This research examined the influence of adaptive leadership styles in badminton coaching on players' long-term growth. The emphasis is on qualities like adaptability in coaching, emotional intelligence, effective problem-solving, empowering players, and strategic thinking. The study encompasses a heterogeneous sample, mainly male individuals who are generally inexperienced players with different educational backgrounds. The research used a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative measurements with qualitative feedback, to evaluate the effectiveness of existing coaching procedures. The results indicate that the observed leadership tactics are only marginally implemented. However, there is a clear need for development, particularly in creating a collaborative team atmosphere and increasing player empowerment. The data reveals no notable disparities in evaluating these tactics across different demographic profiles, suggesting fair coaching procedures. When evaluating long-term growth, factors such as fundamental movement abilities, involvement in several sports, technical proficiency, tactical comprehension, and mental skills training are considered moderately advanced, specifically emphasizing building mental resilience.

You Are Tilted!: Leveraging Tabletop Gaming to Manage Tilt and Strengthen Team Dynamics in Esports

Tilt, characterized by heightened frustration, is a prevalent issue in esports, significantly impacting team dynamics and player well-being. Traditional Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) solutions often focus on individual strategies, overlooking the team-based nature of esports. This study introduces 'TILTED', a tabletop game co-designed with youth esports players, aimed at fostering open communication and empathy to collectively manage tilt. Findings from four user testing sessions with collegiate esports teams reveal that team-based interventions like 'TILTED' can enhance team cohesion and provide effective strategies for emotional regulation. The game facilitates understanding and empathy among teammates for managing emotions and maintaining a positive team atmosphere. Our research underscores the importance of resetting strategies and shared mental models in helping to mitigate tilt and offers design implications for future team-based interventions to enhance team dynamics and tilt management strategies as a team.

Navigating sexual minority identity in sport: a qualitative exploration of sexual minority student-athletes in China

BackgroundSexual minority student-athletes (SMSAs) face discrimination and identity conflicts in intercollegiate sport, impacting their participation and mental health. This study explores the perceptions of Chinese SMSAs regarding their sexual minority identities, aiming to fill the current gap in research related to non-Western countries.MethodsA qualitative methodology was adopted, utilising the Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach with self-categorization theory as the theoretical framework. Participants were recruited through purposive and snowball sampling, and data were collected via semi-structured interviews, documents, and field notes. Sixteen former and current Chinese SMSAs participated in this study.ResultsThe study reveals four themes: hidden truths, prioritisation of athlete identity, self-stereotyping, and attempt. The results revealed that while SMSAs were common in intercollegiate sport, their identities were often concealed and not openly discussed. The predominant focus on athlete identity in sport overshadowed their sexual minority identities. Additionally, SMSAs developed self-stereotypes that influenced their thoughts and behaviours. The non-heterosexual team atmosphere in women’s teams led to the development of intimate relationships among teammates.ConclusionsThe findings from this study could be incorporated into existing sport policies to ensure the safe participation of SMSAs in Chinese intercollegiate sports. This research offers valuable insights for the development and implementation of inclusive policies. Future research in China could investigate the attitudes of coaches and heterosexual student-athletes toward sexual minority identities to inform targeted interventions.

Dynamics of research motivation: A retrospective analysis of outstanding master’s students

To explore the characteristics of research motivation changes of outstanding master’s students and the factors influencing these changes, this study employed retrospective drawing and semi-structured in-depth interviews as data collection methods and surveyed five master’s students who received the honor of outstanding graduates at university level. Thematic analysis was used to process the interview data. The results demonstrated that the research motivation of outstanding master’s students exhibited nonlinear dynamics, self-organization, interindividual variability, and ergodicity. Thematic analysis revealed that factors causing changes in their research motivation include teachers’ influence, research team atmosphere, physical and mental factors, research outcomes, and subjective norms. These findings offer a new perspective for understanding the research motivation of master’s students and can provide decision-making references for improving graduate education.

Aspirations, Goals, Dreams, and Future Pursuit of Basketball Athletes in the National College Athletics Association (NCAA): A Literature Review

This study offers insightful information about academic support programs for student-athletes, highlighting the necessity of all-encompassing assistance and utilizing technology to cater to their requirements. Aspects of academic support included in the evaluation include study halls, writing centers, technology, job transition, counseling, and bridging programs. It emphasizes how crucial customized solutions and a positive team atmosphere are. The necessity of a more comprehensive strategy to affect student-athletes’ conduct, the significance of specialized library education, and the requirement to ease their transition into the workforce are among the study gaps that have been found. To better meet the special needs of student-athletes and pinpoint best practices for various contexts, the abstract suggests that more research be done on the long-term effects of academic support programs, the efficacy of technology-based interventions, and cross-cultural analysis of academic support programs. In addition to offering suggestions for future research to improve academic assistance programs for student-athletes, the abstract contains insightful information about the difficulties and experiences faced by student-athletes.

Coaches’ Motivational Instruction and Athlete’S Learning in Running Sports

This study aimed to assess the progress made in training techniques and athlete performance at Tianjin University Sports in China, with a specific focus on sports other than traditional track events. Comprehending the effectiveness of training regimens that optimize the transfer of training impact was crucial. The study unveiled a heterogeneous sample regarding age, gender, and academic year. The male respondents slightly exceeded the number of females. Most respondents were in the age range of 16-17 years. The largest group consisted of first- and second-year students, followed by third- and fourth-year students. These findings indicate that the results of the study can be applied to comparable educational and community environments. The study revealed a noteworthy link (p-value < 0.05) between coaches' motivating teaching and players' learning assessments, albeit the coefficient was moderate (0.282). This suggests that although motivational tactics can influence the learning results of athletes, there may be other factors that also have important effects. To improve athlete training and performance, the study suggested using feedback mechanisms such as surveys, focus groups, and individual interviews to assess training satisfaction and determine motivating requirements. Also, the training of coaches in effective motivational approaches and the promotion of a supportive team atmosphere were given special importance. An optimized running sports training regimen was established, encompassing low-intensity runs, moderate-paced runs, high-intensity intervals, and extended runs to enhance stamina, velocity, and overall athletic performance. This program is supplemented with designated rest days and cross-training activities to facilitate recuperation and ensure well-rounded advancement.

Cognitive changes in professional value and career development amid the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study of nurses' experiences.

To explore cognitions in nurses' professional value and career development amid the COVID-19 pandemic and to analyse influencing factors. A qualitative descriptive study design was employed. Thirty practising nurses from three general hospitals in Chengdu, China, were purposively recruited. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted. The content analysis was used for data analysis. After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were obvious cognitive changes in nurses' professional value, including improvement in the cognition of professional value, awareness of the broadening of the field of acting professional value, and realization of increasingly high requirements in careers. Approval and gratitude of patients, social recognition and attention, self-awareness of nurses were main influencing factors. For cognitive changes in career development, nurses became more motivated to develop their careers, had a clearer understanding of career development environment, and acquired a clearer understanding of what was needed to advance careers. Hospital support, social respect, family support, and team atmosphere were key influencing factors. The contributions made by nurses in the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic have prompted positive changes in their cognition of professional value and career development. To promote nurses' positive understanding and approach to career development, measures should be taken by hospitals. Further, social respect, family support and team cooperation can enhance nurses' enthusiasm for career development.

Insights from elite soccer players: understanding the downward spiral and the complex dynamics of crises

This study focused on identifying the factors that lead to prolonged crises in soccer teams and how players view the development of these crises. A qualitative analysis of interviews with six current and three former professional soccer players revealed that the failure to meet team expectations is often the starting point of crises, which can impact both individual and team levels. The issues at the individual level include anxiety, pressure, lack of self-confidence, somatic manifestations, negative body language, loss of motivation, rumination, and self-focus. At the team level, conflicts arise, the team atmosphere deteriorates, which is reflected in impaired communication and lack of cohesion. During soccer matches, on-field behavior frequently evolves into a more defensive mindset and a desire to avoid mistakes and responsibility, resulting in lower team performance. Poor results usually ensue, perpetuating and even intensifying the crisis process which players refer to as a vicious circle, negative spiral, or vortex. Societal factors such as media landscape, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, club structures, or fans, and individual factors such as crisis experiences, players’ resilience, family cohesion, or support from friends affect the development of crises. The study’s insights illustrate the negative impacts of pressure on the team’s emotional state and social interaction, leading to a downward spiral, and thus, reinforcing the crisis process. The study concludes that crisis management training and support should focus on managing expectations, promoting positive affective states, and supporting healthy motivation among team members, and should expand coaches’ crisis competency training.

ДИФЕРЕНЦІАЛЬНО-ПСИХОЛОГІЧНІ ОСОБЛИВОСТІ СТАВЛЕННЯ ДО ПРАЦІ В УМОВАХ ВОЄННОГО СТАНУ

The study aims to investigate the impact of a state of war on employees’ attitudes towards their work and identify the differential psychological features influencing this process. The article’s goal is to develop justified management strategies aimed at mitigating the effects of the state of war on the employees’ mental well-being and supporting their positive work attitudes. The research methodology included anonymous surveys of personnel (1667 respondents), analysis of results using One-Way ANOVA, and multinomial regression analysis. The obtained results emphasize the significance of traits such as friendliness, emotional stability, and openness to new experiences in shaping a positive work attitude during a state of war. The identified correlations between these traits and the impact of the state of war underscore the need for the development of social competencies among the employees. Social factors, such as satisfaction with the team atmosphere, relationships with colleagues and family, and the influence of office conditions and domestic life, also proved essential for shaping work attitudes in a state of war. A supportive work environment and colleague assistance can be crucial for maintaining a positive psychological climate and work efficiency. In the context of managerial recommendations, the research emphasizes the importance of developing employees’ personal qualities, particularly friendliness, and formulating strategies to support social and psychological well-being in the workplace. Managerial interventions should primarily target female employees and those who are unmarried and hold non-managerial positions in the organization. The article makes a significant contribution to understanding the mechanisms of employee adaptation to stressful conditions and proposes specific approaches to managing psychosocial climate in organizations during crisis situations. The findings can be valuable for managers and HR departments seeking to ensure effective personnel management in unstable conditions and enhance overall workplace comfort and motivation. Key words: state of war, differential psychological features, Big Five, five-factor model of personality, attitudes toward work, motivation, demotivation.

As Youth Sport Coaches Take to the Sidelines, Important Pedagogical Practices to Remember

School-age children receive a myriad of physical, social, emotional, and cognitive benefits from being involved in sport, as well as several academic benefits. Children who participate in sport are more likely to have a higher GPA, increased daily attendance, and greater high school graduation rates than their non-sport participating peers. Unfortunately, participation in sport is in decline. Although several factors are to blame for the downward trend, the overwhelming research consensus is that children do not perceive sport to be fun due to coach behaviors. To facilitate positive outcomes from participating in sport, practice settings need to include developmentally appropriate skill progressions and ample opportunities for all players to participate and contribute, as well as a team atmosphere that fosters player self-actualization. Sport coaches should utilize best practices for developing the motor skills (sport-related skills) of their athletes. Pedagogical topics covered in this article include: (1) task presentations of skills, (2) designing appropriate practice tasks, and (3) applying skills into the tactical setting.

The impact of high-commitment work systems on organizational identification

This paper investigates the impact of a high-commitment work system on Chinese employees' organizational identification. It constructed a theoretical model with perceived insider status as a mediator and a climate for inclusion as a moderator, which was then empirically tested. In this study, an empirical examination was conducted using a sample of in-service employees from 13 companies within China. A quantitative research methodology was employed through a questionnaire survey, and a total of 750 valid sample data points were collected for hypothesis testing using data analysis. The research results indicate that (1) high-commitment work system positively influences employees' organizational identification; (2) high-commitment work system has a positive impact on employees' perceived insider status; (3) employees' perceived insider status positively affects their organizational identification; (4) perceived insider status partially mediates the impact of a high-commitment work system on organizational identification; (5) climate of inclusivity can augment the positive influence of a high-commitment work system on organizational identification. (6) climate of inclusivity can also enhance the positive impact of perceived insider status on organizational identification. High-commitment work systems not only have a direct positive impact on employees' organizational identification but can also indirectly enhance it by elevating employees' internalized identity levels. In addition, an inclusive environment can enhance the positive impact of both high-commitment work systems and internalized identity on organizational identification individually. The findings can broaden empirical research in the context of Chinese culture, facilitating a better understanding of the relationship between high-commitment work systems and organizational identification. It extends empirical research on both aspects within the Chinese context. Moreover, optimizing work design and fostering an inclusive team atmosphere can elevate employees' identification with the organization, offering more insights to business leaders.

Impact of gender composition of academic teams on disruptive output

Intergender collaboration is becoming increasingly common in academia. However, the impact of team gender structures on innovation remains unknown. Using data from the American Physical Society, this study applies the disruption index to measure the relationship between gender composition and innovation performance. The results show that compared with single-gender teams, moderate inter-gender collaboration has a greater potential to produce disruptive knowledge and must be adopted by scientific teams. Specifically, the types of innovation in mixed-gender teams are affected by the gender composition. If the proportion of female scholars and their participation increase in a mixed-gender team, it can positively contribute to disruptive performance. If female scientists are placed on a male-dominated team, they may function as consolidation representatives. The robustness results indicate that the conclusions also apply to male scientists. The results suggest that males and females have no significant physiological differences in innovation and that the key is to find a gender balance in collaboration. Based on the theories of similarity-attraction and cognitive diversity, the reasons for the differences between female and male scientists may be team atmosphere and their roles in collaboration. This study can serve as a reference for policymakers and funders when building teams to achieve disruptive discoveries.

Enhancing Project Performance through Effective Team Communication: A Comprehensive Study Integrating Project Management Quotient, Trust, and Management Information Systems

The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between project manager competence and project performance with the mediating role of team communication, employee trust, employee capability and team atmosphere. To achieve its objectives, this study used a quantitative research approach. Data was collected from 175 employees working on various projects in China. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from the respondents. All items were measured on a five-point Likert scale adapted from previous studies. Collected data was analyzed by using SPSS. The findings of the study showed that the performance of a project is significantly affected by the competencies of project managers. Moreover, the findings also showed that this relationship is significantly and positively mediated by team communication, employee trust, employee capability and team atmosphere. The findings show that the effectiveness of project manager competencies in enhancing project performance is influenced by these mediating factors which contribute to the success of the project. This research contributes to the theoretical understanding of project management by highlighting the multifaceted nature of project performance. It underscores the importance of holistic project management practices, where emphasis on both project manager competence and team dynamics is essential. Practically, the study offers insights for organizations and project managers, emphasizing the need for comprehensive skill development and fostering positive team environments. This study's originality lies in its comprehensive exploration of the mediating roles within the context of project manager competence and its implications in a globalized business environment.

Relating team atmosphere and group dynamics to student software development teams’ performance

ContextWhile the software engineering community (i.e., those involved with engineering software) is constantly in search of insights into team atmosphere and group dynamics and the way these issues impact team performance, little opportunities typically exist to explore this issue. Student projects offer an opportunity for us to understand these issues, and particularly if these students are on the verge of leaving university for post-study work and using similar practices to those used in industry. ObjectiveWe explore a range of student software development projects’ data and students’ open-ended responses to five group dynamics categories: communication, time management, commitment, problem analysis and solving, and initiative and involvement. MethodWe analyse both quantitative and qualitative data to study the variation in group dynamics across teams developing different software and how these variations correlated with team satisfaction. We also explore the group dynamics themes that evolve from students’ open responses in relation to the five categories. Furthermore, we relate the prevalence of the themes to various software development performance metrics, before exploring the opportunity of predicting an optimum team dynamics. ResultsWe observe variations in the way different teams work, but higher performing teams also committed more to their projects. Various group dynamics themes were evident among functional teams, and specific patterns were more pronounced when teams were productive. Further, while there is no specific group dynamics pattern that predicts project success, successful teams were most organised and reflective. ConclusionCompetence may set the tone for positive group dynamics and team performance. Also, an achievement-driven orientation is as important as the soft skills and interpersonal aspects.

Conflict Resolution in Team: Analyzing the of Conflicts and Best Skills for Resolution

This research study aimed to investigate and assess effective conflict resolution skills and interventions for managing conflicts within the team. Through a comprehensive literature review, a range of conflict resolution skills were identified and categorized into distinct domains. The first domain highlighted the significance of understanding cultural differences and emotional awareness in conflict resolution processes. The second domain emphasized the importance of fostering a cooperative and inclusive team atmosphere to facilitate conflict resolution. The third domain underscored the value of providing constructive feedback as an effective skill to address conflicts. In the fourth domain, effective communication and establishing positive relationships, were emphasized as crucial factors in resolving conflicts. The fifth domain recognized the significance of leadership skills in managing and mediating conflicts within the team. The sixth domain emphasized the skills of trust-building to encourage open dialogue and conflict resolution. The seventh domain highlighted the necessity for effective managerial strategies and decision-making processes in conflict resolution. Finally, the eighth domain encompassed various skills such as problem-solving skills, consistency and clarity skills, conflict analysis skills, active listening skills, and empathy skills, all of which were identified as essential in addressing conflicts within the team. The findings of this research study provide valuable insights into the diverse array of conflict resolution skills applicable to managing and resolving conflicts within the team.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on training conditions and education in oncologic disciplines: a survey-based analysis

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to changes in global health care. Medical societies had to update guidelines and enhance new services such as video consultations. Cancer treatment had to be modified. The aim of this study is to ensure optimal care for cancer patients with the help of high-quality training even in times of crisis. We therefore conducted a nationwide survey of physicians in training in oncological disciplines during the pandemic to assess the impact on their education.MethodsThe survey was sent to tumour centres, hospitals, specialist societies, and working and junior research groups and distributed via newsletters and homepages. Interim results and a call for participation were published as a poster (DEGRO) [26] and in the German Cancer Society (DKG) journal FORUM [42]. The survey contained 53 questions on conditions of education and training and on clinical and scientific work. Statistics were carried out with LimeSurvey and SPSS (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).ResultsBetween February and November 2022, 450 participants answered the survey, with radio-oncologists being the largest group (28%). Most colleagues (63%) had access to digital training methods. Virtual sessions were rated as a good alternative, especially as multidisciplinary meetings (54%) as well as in-house and external training programs (48%, 47%). The time spent by training supervisors on education was rated as less than before the pandemic by 57%. Half of all participants perceived communication (54%), motivation (44%) and atmosphere (50%) in the team as bad. The participants felt strongly burdened by extra work (55%) and by a changed team atmosphere (49%). One third felt a change in the quality of training during the pandemic and rated it as negative (35%). According to 37% of the participants, this had little influence on their own quality of work. Additional subgroup analyses revealed significant differences in gender, specialty and education level.ConclusionIn order to improve oncology training in times of crisis, access to digital training options and meetings should be ensured. Participants wish for regular team meetings in person to enable good team spirit, compensation for overtime work and sufficient time for training supervisors for discussion and feedback.

Revising the Taiwan Code of Ethics for Nurses

The 2005 revision of the code of ethics for nurses has been in effect in Taiwan for more than 17 years. Although this code has been smoothly implemented during this time, changing social expectations and ethical perspectives, advancements in science and technology, and the evolution of the nurse-patient relationship suggest this code should be once again be updated. This study was conducted to suggest revisions to the Taiwan code of ethics for nurses necessary to meet current needs and address social and medical care environment trends. A multivariate research approach was adopted. The classification of the code of ethics for nurses norms in six international nursing organizations and evidence-based ethical and philosophical thinking literature were referenced, with the main notification demands incorporated into the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Nursing Workplace Controversy Reporting Platform. After drafting the aspects and provisions of Taiwan code of ethics for nurses norms, expert review procedures such as focus groups, Delphi expert consensus, and public forums were conducted. After three expert focus group discussion rounds, a structured questionnaire was completed, and 50 Delphi experts in six fields completed the online questionnaire. After the second consensus round, the importance and clarity of the 47 ethical code provisions in the four aspects were determined with 100% and 99.8% agreement reached, indicating no significant difference in scores between the multidisciplinary expert group and the ethical code. The resulting revision proposed for the Taiwan code of ethics for nurses includes: nursing staff and care recipients (14 provisions), nursing staff and practice (13 provisions), nursing staff and the profession (10 provisions), and nursing staff and society (10 provisions). In terms of education, the revised Taiwan code of ethics for nurses should be integrated into the nursing education curriculum of nursing colleges and used as teaching material for the continuing education of nurses. In terms of policy, these norms should be included as evaluation benchmarks and inspection items for hospitals. In addition, the attention and support of senior managers in institutions must be secured and a handling protocol for moral dilemma cases and related consultation mechanisms must be established. Nursing supervisors should be guided to develop the ability to address these dilemmas to help foster a positive workplace and a respectful team atmosphere. All professional groups should participate actively in promoting issues related to nursing ethics, organize seminars and continuing education activities, and make the revised Taiwan code of ethics for nurses and learning cases available online for reference by nursing staff nationwide.

USAGE AND ACCEPTANCE OF MANAGEMENT TOOLS IN PROJECT-BASED LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

AbstractThis paper aims to identify the reasons for neglecting and the motivations for using management tools among three groups of students participating in a project that was carried out and followed over a period of one semester. For this purpose, a survey in the form of questionnaires and interviews was created. Particular emphasis was placed on the use of project management methods, tools and techniques and respondents were asked to rate the effectiveness of their usage. Additionally, the participants were asked to report limitations or distractions they had encountered. The results revealed five aspects that mainly influenced the students’ motivation in using management tools: the team atmosphere, determining responsibilities, performance transparency, expectations by the supervisors, feedback and performance evaluation. On that basis conclusions were drawn on what actions can be taken to motivate future students and designers.