Prof Chiu Ming Ming’s research in understanding positivity within team interactions has earned him a Best Empirical Paper Award.
“How can you measure positive attitudes?” Prof Chiu asks. “By Surveys? What if people mask their true attitudes in survey? Our research team looked at this issue in an unconventional way. We measured attitudes by observing peoples’ behaviors.”
“We videotaped people’s talks, and then coded their responses according to a detailed rubric, e.g.. “That sounds great”, “This could really work.” We put these coded data together into a database. Then, we analyze it using a computer/statistics method that I invented, statistical discourse analysis. This method shows how group interactions affect positive attitudes.” Prof Chiu added.
Prof Chiu’s research reveals that teams with more positivity yield better performances. Solution-focused behaviours increase subsequent positivity while problem-focused behaviours reduce subsequent positivity.
As Professor Chiu’s award illustrates, FEHD encourages innovative research. By allowing our staff the freedom to focus on their work, we seek to raise what we do to the NEXT LEVEL.
