Date of Award

2009

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Program

Psychology

Supervisor

Dr. Natalie Allen

Abstract

This research sought to extend the team diversity literature to examine the relationships

between three time-related individual difference variables and team conflict. This study answers the call for team research that incorporates time and outcome variables other than performance or deadline adherence. The present longitudinal study of engineering project teams (N=72), explored how diversity in regards to polychronicity, time urgency and pacing styles affect task and relationship conflict in teams over time. Based on results, polychronicity diversity was positively related to task conflict at Time 1 and relationship conflict at Time 3, while time urgency diversity was negatively related to both task and relationship conflict at Time 2. These results call into question the assumption that the effect of deep-level traits increases over time (Harrison, Price, & Bell, 1998). Strengths, limitations and directions for future research are discussed.

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