THE EFFECT OF APPARENT PERFORMANCE AND GROUP SUCCESS ON CHANGES IN STATUS WITHIN A GROUP STRUCTURE
Abstract
This study examiforts by members under continuous or under intermittent group success to induce a status change which would maximize the value of group performances. Cooperative four man status hierarchies performed a group reaction time task. Members were to react quickly enough to prevent the appearance of a failure signal. The latter was controlled by E, appearing accord ing to a fixed schedule. Group success occurred when at least two members beat the signal (the group was eligible to receive points toward a prize). The extent of success (number of points received) depended on the status of the success ful individuals, high status members contributing more to the group total than low status members. Following each block members voted privately on desired status reassignments. Voting indicated that efforts at status reassignment which restore the fit between apparent and appropriate success occurred more rapidly and more frequently under continuous than under intermittent group success. Such efforts were curvilinearly related to status with occupants of extreme statuses making earlier and more frequent efforts than occupants of intermediate statuses.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0407175
Entities
People
- Eugene Burnstein
- James J. Taylor
- Robert B. Zajonc
Organizations
- University of Michigan