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Creating Psychological Safety in Cross-Functional Teams in Non-Profit Organizations

Hsiao, Shu-Wen (2024) Creating Psychological Safety in Cross-Functional Teams in Non-Profit Organizations.

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Abstract:Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) devote themselves to solving social issues and bringing attention to the rights of the minority in society. The complexity of social issues requires integrating diverse knowledge and being agile to public requirements, where NPOs find cross-functional teams (CFTs) a suitable team type to apply. The unique characteristics of NPOs and workers affect psychological safety (PS) in CFTs, indirectly affecting knowledge sharing in teams. Therefore, this research was conducted to identify the challenges and enablers that impede or ensure the fostering of psychological safety (PS) in cross-functional teams (CFTs). Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 members of a nonprofit organization from Taiwan about their experiences and perceptions of the challenges and enablers of CFTs. The findings of this qualitative study show the most common challenges, including task uncertainty and unfamiliarity with team members in CFTs, shared the fundamental characteristic of unpredictability. Accordingly, three enablers were identified to overcome the challenge, which provides clarity and connection with team members, and fosters a positive environment. This research has been comprehensive in suggesting that clarity, connection, and positivity can help mitigate the challenge of unpredictability.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:70 social sciences in general
Programme:Educational Science and Technology MSc (60023)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/102084
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