Engaging the Inter-Team Cooperation A study on the relationship between Relational Coordination, Perceived Power Distance, Empathy, Psychological Safety and Inter-Team Cooperation

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2021-07-18

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en

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Objectives. This study investigated how relational coordination, perceived power distance and empathy are associated with inter-team cooperation. The mediating role of psychological safety was also considered. In this study it was hypothesized that relational coordination and empathy are positively associated with inter-team cooperation, while perceived power distance is negatively associated with inter-team cooperation. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that psychological safety mediates these relationships. Methods. Participants were 89 employees from two teams in an organisation. Participants completed a survey which measured inter-team cooperation, relational coordination, perceived power distance, empathy and psychological safety. Results. Significant positive associations were found between inter-team cooperation and relational coordination, and inter-team coordination and empathy. Also, a significant negative association was found between inter-team cooperation and perceived power distance. Furthermore, psychological safety partly mediated the relationship between relational coordination and inter-team cooperation and perceived power distance and inter-team cooperation. The relationship between empathy and inter-team cooperation was fully mediated by psychological safety. Conclusions. The results indicate that having high relational coordination, empathy and psychological safety, while having low perceived power distance contribute to high inter-team cooperation in organisations. Keywords: inter-team cooperation, relational coordination, perceived power distance, empathy, psychological safety

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Faculteit der Sociale Wetenschappen

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