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Predicting real-time adaptive performance in a dynamic decision-making context

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 December 2014

Darren Good
Darren Good*
Affiliation:
Graziadio School of Business & Management, Pepperdine University, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Abstract

Individuals in organizations must frequently enact a series of ongoing decisions in real-time dynamic contexts. Despite the increasing need for individuals to manage dynamic decision-making demands, we still understand little about individual differences impacting performance in these environments. This paper proposes a new construct applicable to adaptation in such real-time dynamic environments. Cognitive agility is a formative construct measuring the individual capacity to exhibit cognitive flexibility, cognitive openness and focused attention. This study predicts that cognitive agility will impact adaptive performance in a real-time dynamic decision-making microworld computer game called the Networked Fire Chief; a simulation developed to study and train Australian fire fighters. Cognitive agility, operationalized through three distinct methods (performance measures, self-reports and external-rater reports), explained unique variance beyond measures of general intelligence on the total score of adaptive performance in the microworld.

Keywords

adaptabilitycognitive flexibilitydynamic decision making
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Management & Organization , Volume 20 , Issue 6 , November 2014 , pp. 715 - 732
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management 2014 

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