An integration of process and decision scheme explanations of group problem solving performance

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Abstract

This article develops a model of group problem solving in which performance is a function of group resources and strategies for their use. Resources are defined as the joint task knowledge of a group's two most expert members. Decision scheme is essentially defined as the degree of influence of these two experts and is shown, for certain composition conditions, to be related to group process, specifically, effective conflict management. Similarities between the model and other social influence theories are examined, and implications for organizational problem solving are explored. The task is the “Moon Survival” problem, and the subjects are 102 managers and graduate management students, working in 21 groups.

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