In the context of work transformations linked to digitalisation and hybrid organisational models, this research area examines how individual characteristics – including personality traits, emotional competencies, cognitive styles, generational differences, and work and career expectations – influence decision-making processes and collaborative dynamics in knowledge-intensive teams. In line with the PhD programme objectives related to the study of work and organisational innovation, the project adopts a micro-founded perspective focused on the interaction between individual characteristics, group dynamics, and workplace spatial configurations.

From this perspective, the research streams and topics of interest are structured as follows:

INDIVIDUAL: INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES, PERSONALITY AND COGNITIVE PROCESSES
• Individual differences relevant to organisational behaviour (personality, cognitive styles, emotional competencies, generational differences, work and career expectations) and their impact on individual and collective decision-making processes
• Emotion regulation, emotional intelligence, and psychological well-being in work contexts
• Cognitive biases and heuristics in high-complexity decision-making environments
• Proactivity, adaptability, and resilience as antecedents of participation and initiative in teams.

GROUP DYNAMICS: DECISION-MAKING AND COLLABORATION IN HYBRID CONTEXTS
• Collective decision-making processes: information sharing, quality of discussion, and critical thinking
• Team composition and diversity of individual differences: effects on creativity, performance, and decision quality
• Conflict dynamics (task and relational) and their management in collaborative contexts
• Psychological safety, trust, and cohesion as determinants of collective effectiveness
• Emergent leadership, influence dynamics, and participation in work groups
• Virtual and hybrid teams: relational, emotional, and cognitive specificities

COLLABORATIVE SPACES AS NEW WORKPLACES
• The role of physical spaces (layout, flexibility, proximity) in shaping interactions, participation, and decision-making processes
• Digital spaces and collaborative platforms: impact on cognitive and relational processes and on the quality of collaboration
• Hybrid configurations and their effects on creativity, problem-solving, and shared knowledge construction
• The role of physical and digital artefacts (whiteboards, objects, collaborative tools) in sensemaking processes
• Collaborative spaces as enabling or constraining factors for the expression of individual differences and group dynamics

METHODOLOGIES AND FACILITATION PRACTICES
• Design thinking and collaborative practices in decision-making processes
• Experiential methodologies (serious play, gamification) for facilitating discussion and conflict management
• Use of storytelling, metaphor, and visual tools in co-construction processes
• Facilitation techniques in interdisciplinary and high-complexity groups

Supervisors

Prof.ssa Simona Leonelli, Prof.ssa Ludovica Leone, Prof Bernardo Balboni, Prof.ssa Anna Chiara Scapolan, Prof Fabrizio Montanari

Disciplinary Fields

Organisational behaviour, Human resource management, Business organisation, Work and organisational psychology, Innovation management

National Research Plan (PNR) Area

Main mission/domain: Digital, Industry, Aerospace
Thematic area: Resilient industry
Secondary link: Humanities, Creativity, Social Transformations, Inclusive Society

Thematic areas: Development models, skills and training; Cultural and creative enterprises for local development and global competitiveness

Research Projects

PNR 2021–2027 (MUR) alignment
Main mission/domain: Digital, Industry, Aerospace
National Research Programme 2021–2027 — Thematic area: Resilient industry

Secondary link: Humanities, Creativity, Social Transformations, Inclusive Society
National Research Programme 2021–2027 — Thematic areas: Development models, skills and training; Cultural and creative enterprises for local development and global competitiveness

COMPETITIVE RESEARCH PROJECTS

FAR 2016
A Multidisciplinary Study of Physical and Online Collaborative Spaces and Their Implications for Creativity and Innovation
University Research Fund (FAR) — University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Unimore), 2016

FAR 2017
Framing Employee Attitudes and Digital Work Behaviors to Support Data-driven Human Resource Management
University Research Fund (FAR) — Unimore, 2017

FAR 2021
Work Datification and Behavioral Visibility in the Digital Workplace
University Research Fund (FAR) — Fondazione di Modena, 2021

FAR 2024
From Local to Global: How Design Thinking Mindset and Entrepreneurial Personality Propel Emilia-Romagna Startups in Key Industrial Sectors
University Research Fund (FAR) — Unimore, 2024

FAR 2025
Unlocking Startup Growth: How Entrepreneurial Personality, Design Thinking, and Collaboration Drive Success
This project analyses the mechanisms through which founder personality, design thinking practices, and internal team collaboration dynamics influence the growth and success of early-stage ventures.
University Research Fund (FAR) — Unimore, 2025