Team Composition and Learning: How Knowledge Conversion Abilities Facilitate Team Learning Processes

Based on Nonaka's knowledge spiral theory, this study argued the four knowledge creating conceived as four types of knowledge conversion abilities. We developed level, completeness, redundancy, and heterogeneity as four dimensions of team knowledge conversion abilities combination, and explored relationships b etween these dimensions and team learning processes, including framing/reframing, experimenting, crossing boundaries, diverging, and integrating perspectives. We found the level of team knowledge conversion abilities on socialization, combination, and internalization has positive relationships with team learning processes. The completeness and redundancy of team knowledge conversion abilities also have positive relationships with team learning processes, especially crossing boundaries and integrating perspectives. Besides, the heterogeneity of team knowledge conversion abilities has some negative relationships with team learning processes, especially experimenting. This study provides a new perspective about the application of knowledge spiral theory, and team composition research.