| This project examined factors affecting group processes in long-term problem-solving groups using Steiner's (1972) model of process and productivity. Independent variables were surface and deep-level diversities. Surface-level diversities are immutable physical characteristics related to ethnicity and gender. The deep-level diversity was informational diversity, which refers to different knowledge bases each member possesses. Dependent variables were task conflict, emotional conflict, and cohesion. Moderating variables were critical and consensus norms.; Participants were 168 college students divided into 24 groups of 7. Each group met weekly for ten weeks. Group meetings were problem-solving sessions in which students came together to analyze different aspects of a case study and arrive at a solution. All data were gathered through questionnaires. Per Cohen's (1990) recommendation, all hypotheses were tested using an alpha of .10.; Given the relationship between surface-level characteristics and identity, it was expected that social category diversity would increase emotional conflict. Analysis found such a relationship for gender but not ethnicity. Because social category diversity was expected to lead to increased conflict, it was also expected to lead to decreased cohesion. No such relationship was found for either gender or ethnicity. Informational diversity was expected to lead to increased task conflict and decreased cohesion. This relationship was found with cohesion but not task conflict. Consensus and critical norms were expected to act as moderating variables in the relationship between informational diversity and task conflict. A consensus norm was expected to strengthen the relationship between informational diversity and task conflict, since it would indicate an atmosphere where new or unique ideas would not be easily received. Correlational analysis supported this hypothesis. A critical norm was expected to weaken the relationship between informational diversity and task conflict, since it would indicate an atmosphere where new or unique ideas are accepted. Analysis revealed no such effect.; These findings show the need to distinguish between surface and deep-level diversities, but also between the particular surface or deep-level diversity. They also highlight the need to further investigate the role of moderating variables, especially time. |
