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Effects of task interdependence on the relationship between helping behavior and group performance.
Daniel G Bachrach1, Benjamin C Powell, Brian J Collins
1Department of Management and Marketing, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA. dbachrac@cba.ua.edu
The Journal of Applied Psychology
|November 15, 2006
Summary
Organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) helps group performance, but only when tasks require interdependence. This finding explains previous contradictory research on helping behaviors in teams.
Area of Science:
- Organizational Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Group Dynamics
Background:
- Organizational Citizenship Behavior (OCB) encompasses voluntary actions beyond formal job roles.
- Previous research presents conflicting findings on the impact of helping behaviors (a form of OCB) on group performance.
- Task interdependence, the degree to which group members rely on each other, is a potential moderating factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether task interdependence moderates the relationship between helping OCB and group performance.
- To reconcile contradictory findings in prior research on OCB and team outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A laboratory experiment involving 62 three-person groups.
- Manipulation of task interdependence levels during a card-sequencing activity.
- Assessment of helping behavior through independent evaluation of videotaped interactions.
- Measurement of group performance based on speed and accuracy.
Main Results:
- The relationship between helping OCB and group performance is contingent on the level of task interdependence.
- Helping behaviors were more strongly associated with improved group performance in high interdependence conditions.
- Task interdependence appears to explain the inconsistent results of previous studies.
Conclusions:
- Task interdependence is a critical factor influencing the effectiveness of helping behaviors within groups.
- Understanding the interplay between OCB and task structure is essential for optimizing team performance.
- Future research should consider task interdependence when examining the effects of OCB in organizational settings.
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