Collaborative climate and effectiveness of knowledge work – an empirical study

TLDR

Collaborative climate is a key determinant of knowledge‑work effectiveness, and theories of a professional plateau suggest that performance may level off over time. The study develops a survey instrument to measure collaborative climate and uses the data to identify gaps and opportunities for enhancing knowledge‑work effectiveness. The authors surveyed 8,277 respondents and examined two case studies of good and bad practice to identify strengths and weaknesses in collaborative climate. Results show that collaborative climate improves with age, education, and managerial role, is higher in private firms—peaking at mid‑size firms—and follows a U‑shaped appreciation pattern, with private sector generally outperforming the public sector.

Abstract

Suggests that collaborative climate is one of the major factors influencing effectiveness of knowledge work. Discusses the concept of collaborative climate and develops a survey instrument to measure it. Presents results based on data from 8,277 respondents in a wide variety of public and private sector organisations. Collaborative climate tends to improve with age, education level and managerial role. It is generally better in private firms, and seems to peak with mid‐size firm level. Employees tend to experience a U‐formed appreciation of the collaborative climate. Theories proposing that people reach a “professional plateau” (an S‐formed curve) have been supported to some degree. Finally, collaborative climate in the private sector is generally better than in the public sector. Uses the data to identify gaps and potentials for improving effectiveness. Further investigates two cases of good and bad practice and identifies strengths and weaknesses.