Building Bridges and Solving Rubiks Cubes: Tribalism in Engineering and Technical Environments
Year: 2009
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Engineering asset intensive organisations are typified by the presence of numerous highly cohesive sub-groups derived from elements such as occupation (engineer, trades, management), professional association (e.g. mechanical, electrical), function (e.g. operator or maintainer), and contractual arrangement (e.g. outsourced contract labour). The presence of highly cohesive groups within organisations (termed “tribalism”) affords a number of benefits both for the individual and the organisation. At an individual level being a member of such a group drives professional and occupational identities which is associated with occupational competence, emotional well-being and higher morale. In a broader setting highly cohesive groups also encourage the transfer of tacit knowledge between group members, display higher levels of citizenship behaviour and social support. However at an organisational level the effects of highly cohesive groups are more variable. While on one hand high levels of cohesion are likely to result in higher retention, morale and productivity, tribalism can also have significant negative effects such as the emergence of information silos and inter-group conflict. The case of an innovative management structure implemented into a coal fired power station is used an example of the challenges faced in dealing with the negative effects of tribalism and the difficulties associated with solving those issues. Several recommendations are put forward for others wishing to achieve similar outcomes when faced with the significant negative effects of tribalism within engineering asset intensive firms.
Author: Glen D. Murphy
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2131066033