Roderick I. Swaab
My research focuses on the interaction between communication, identity formation, and knowledge sharing within and between groups. In a first stream of research, I focus on two related hypotheses: (1) that the impact of shared knowledge on performance depends on how knowledge is shared, and (2) that shared knowledge triggers informational as well as affective processes. My research thus far indicates that team leaders should actively manage and match different forms of shared knowledge with group context and promote a shared identity among group members to secure its benefits over time.
In a second line of research, I focus on the co-existence of multiple identities in groups. I focus on two related hypotheses: (1) that shared identities emerge through deduction and induction, and (2) that multiple identities can reduce, rather than intensify, conflict. My research in this area shows that the presence of multiple shared identities helps, rather than hurt, relations between groups and coalition members. However, it also shows that these identities should be carefully managed by controlling where members talk and what they talk about. Mismanagement can lead to conflict escalation.
In a third line of research, I explore when, how, and why different forms of communication (e.g., nonverbal and computer mediated) affect identity formation and knowledge sharing in group decision making settings, negotiations, and disputes.
Primary Interests:
- Aggression, Conflict, Peace
- Communication, Language
- Group Processes
- Organizational Behavior
- Self and Identity
Note from the Network: The holder of this profile has certified having all necessary rights, licenses, and authorization to post the files listed below. Visitors are welcome to copy or use any files for noncommercial or journalistic purposes provided they credit the profile holder and cite this page as the source.
Video Gallery
Making Remote Work Interview
Journal Articles:
- Swaab, R. I., Kern, M. C., Medvec, V., & Diermeier, D. (in press). Who says what to whom? The impact of communication setting and channel on exclusion from multiparty negotiation agreements. Social Cognition.
- Swaab, R. I., Phillips, K. W. P., Diermeier, D., & Medvec, V. (2008). The pros and cons of dyadic conversations in groups: The impact of communication opportunities on group decisions. Small Group Research, 39, 372-390.
- Swaab, R. I., Postmes, T., & Neijens, P. (2004). The ecological validity of negotiation support systems: Information and communication as antecedents of negotiation support. International Negotiation Journal, 9, 59-78.
- Swaab, R. I., Postmes, T., Neijens, P., Kiers, M. H., & Dumay, A. C. M. (2002). Multi-party negotiation support: Visualization and the development of shared mental models. Journal of Management Information Systems, 19, 129-150.
- Swaab, R. I., Postmes, T., & Spears, R. (2008). Identity formation in multiparty negotiations. British Journal of Social Psychology, 47, 167-187.
- Swaab, R. I., Postmes, T., Van Beest, I., & Spears, R. (2007). Shared cognition as a product of, and precursor to, shared social identity: Studying the role of communication in negotiations. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 33, 187-199.
- Swaab, R. I., & Swaab, D. F. (in press). Sex differences in the effects of visual contact and eye contact in negotiations. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology.
Other Publications:
- Postmes, T., Baray, G., Haslam, S. A., Morton, T., & Swaab, R. I. (2006). The dynamics of social identity formation. In T. Postmes & J. Jetten (Eds.), Individuality and the group: Advances in social identity (pp. 215-236). SAGE: London.
- Swaab, R. I., & Galinsky, A. D. (2007). How to negotiate when you’re (literally) far apart: The media approach. Negotiation, 10, 7-9.
Courses Taught:
- Leadership
- Negotiation
- Virtual Teamwork
Roderick I. Swaab
Boulevard de Constance
77305 Fontainebleau
France
- Phone: +33 1 60 72 43 81