Prediction of Group Performance: The Interplay of Individual Performance, Interpersonal Attraction, and Interpersonal Behavior

Abstract

On the basis of the input-process-output model, the present research examined how individual performance, interpersonal attraction, and interpersonal behavior affect group performance in a problem-solving task. 164 participants were assigned to 41 groups, each consisting of four same-sex members. Participants completed a measure of interpersonal attraction and individually solved the established moon-landing task. Afterwards, all group members worked together to find a common solution for this task. Four interpersonal behaviors were recorded on video while the group interacted (cooperative, communicative, coordinative, and conflict behavior). Two main findings emerged: First, on average, groups performed better than the individuals did alone. Second, individual performance, interpersonal attraction, and directly observed interpersonal behaviors were independent predictors of group performance. Furthermore, we found indications that interpersonal behavior might play a mediating role here. The results and their implications are discussed.

Keywords

• group performance
• individual performance
• interpersonal attraction
• interpersonal behavior