Adding minority status to a source of conflict: an examination of influence processes and product quality in dyads

Abstract

AbstractMinority influence and conflict exposure were studied in an additive fashion within discussion dyads to clarify the role each plays in divergent thinking. Dyad types (determined by each member's preference for a political candidate) included: No conflict (both members preferred the same candidate, conflict only (each member preferred a different candidate), and minority status plus conflict (same as conflict only with one candidate labeled the minority candidate). Dyads chose a candidate, brainstormed to solve a problem, chose one solution and developed a proposal, and evaluated their interaction. The results showed that minority dyads' discussions of the political candidates were robust and resulted in direct minority influence. Additionally, brainstorming and proposal quality were positively affected by the minority source of influence. It appears that the status of the source of conflict plays a critical role in divergent thinking. Additionally, group products appear to be affected by individual divergent thinking. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.