University of Twente Student Theses
Cohesion in Mono and Multicultural Agile Teams : An Exploratory Research through Verbal Behaviours
Hamazkaya, T.T. (2024) Cohesion in Mono and Multicultural Agile Teams : An Exploratory Research through Verbal Behaviours.
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| Abstract: | In today’s rapidly changing business world, Agile methodologies are increasingly adopted by international organizations to stay adaptive and responsive. Therefore, understanding team cohesion, particularly in agile settings, and its relationship with cultural diversity has become crucial. It is especially crucial in agile environments where collaboration and communication are important for adapting to changes and achieving team goals. This thesis explores team cohesion in monocultural and multicultural agile teams within a large Dutch financial institution, focusing on those verbal behaviours that may indicate cohesion. Using a mixed-methods approach, this thesis analysed seven video recordings of team meetings, combining qualitative thematic and episode analyses and quantitative frequency comparison analysis. The results show that while monocultural teams had higher levels of interpersonal cohesion, which involves personal bonds and trust among team members with behaviours such as sharing personal information, both monocultural and multicultural teams demonstrate task-related cohesion behaviours. These behaviours are collaborative actions to execute their tasks, such as agreeing, shaping the discussion and giving positive feedback. Theoretically, this thesis contributes to the understanding of team dynamics by showing that both mono- and multicultural teams can achieve task-related cohesion, with interpersonal cohesion varying more significantly. Monocultural teams show deeper personal interactions, while multicultural teams tend to focus more on task-related interactions. The thematic and episode analysis revealed that monocultural teams often have higher interpersonal trust and comfort among team members. Practically, the findings offer valuable insights for managers in agile settings since, to enhance team cohesion, managers should promote both task-related and interpersonal interactions through activities like regular personal check-ins and social outings. Encouraging positive verbal behaviours, such as humour, positive feedback and giving attention positively, can further strengthen team cohesion regardless of cultural diversity. Future research should explore cohesion differences on a broader scope of organizations and investigate monocultural teams from different cultural backgrounds. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | International Business Administration BSc (50952) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/100140 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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