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Table 2 Cognitive style dimensions relevant to the nature of working remotely and in virtual teams

From: Patterns to explore cognitive preferences and potential collective intelligence empathy for processing knowledge in virtual settings

Thinking Styles

1. Levels

Global

Individual likes to deal with big ideas, but sometimes can lose touch with the details (able to process abstract information)

Local

Individual enjoys tasks that require keeping track of details and focusing on concrete specifics of a situation (requires concrete details)

2. Scopes

Internal

Individual is typically introverted and often uncomfortable in groups (prefers working alone)

External

Individual might not enjoy working or even being alone (prefers working on teams)

3. Leanings

Liberal

Individual may prefer change simply for the sake of change, even when it is not ideal (goes beyond boundaries)

Conservative

Individual likes to minimize change and avoid ambiguity (prefers conventions and structures)