CAREER: Enhancing Organizational Learning and Information Flows through Human Resource Management

University Of Florida, Gainesville FL

Investigators

Abstract

This project introduces new conceptualization of the heterogeneity-unity paradox to capture an organization’s capacity to elicit different informational viewpoints and perspectives while simultaneously sustaining oneness of purpose. Moreover, the project clarifies the construct space of such a paradox, develops an integrative research model, and identifies possible management practices for enhancing informational variety and organizational unity at the same time. By doing so, the project sheds light on how to harmonize heterogeneity and unity in organizations. The outcomes of this research hold significant promise for guiding individuals, organizations, and broader organizational entities in harnessing the unity of workplace with a range of backgrounds and perspectives to enhance learning and performance. The primary goal of this project is to investigate how organizations can manage the heterogeneity-unity paradox to enhance learning and performance through human resource management. The project is structured in three key phases. The first phase involves conducting qualitative interviews and surveys to establish a clear conceptualization of unified heterogeneity. In the second phase, the project employs computational modeling and quantitative surveys to examine the antecedents and outcomes of this new construct, seeking to clarify organizational dynamics that lead to and result from unified heterogeneity. The third phase integrates qualitative interviews, computational modeling, and quantitative survey studies to pinpoint effective management practices and organizational designs that promote unified heterogeneity. By adopting a mixed-methods approach, this project enriches current knowledge about the nature of the heterogeneity-unity paradox and the micro-foundations of unified heterogeneity, which is essential for advancing organizational learning and maintaining a competitive edge in the contemporary business landscape. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.