ERIC Number: EJ966170
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Mar
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0021-9010
EISSN: N/A
Bridging Team Faultlines by Combining Task Role Assignment and Goal Structure Strategies
Rico, Ramon; Sanchez-Manzanares, Miriam; Antino, Mirko; Lau, Dora
Journal of Applied Psychology, v97 n2 p407-420 Mar 2012
This study tests whether the detrimental effects of strong diversity faultlines on team performance can be counteracted by combining 2 managerial strategies: task role crosscutting and superordinate goals. We conducted a 2 (crosscut vs. aligned roles) x 2 (superordinate vs. subgroup goals) experimental study. Seventy-two 4-person teams with faultlines stemming from gender and educational major performed a complex decision-making task. The results show that teams with crosscut roles perform better when they are assigned a superordinate goal than a subgroup goal, whereas teams with aligned roles are not affected by goal manipulations. This effect is mediated by elaboration of task-relevant information. Implications for theory and management of team faultlines are discussed. (Contains 2 footnotes, 3 tables, and 2 figures.)
Descriptors: Cognitive Processes, Group Dynamics, Teamwork, Gender Differences, Theories, Adults, Whites, Psychology, Information Technology, Experiments, Tests, Object Manipulation, Task Analysis, Laboratories
American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org/publications
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A