Effects of Authority Structures and Gender on Interaction in Same-Sex Task Groups

Abstract

In this paper we examine the possible effects of the social composition of authority structures on interaction in same-sex task groups in organizations. We derive predictions about the effects of authority structures and gender on group members' task and positive socioemotional behavior from two theoretical explanations: status characteristics theory (SCT) and its extension, and the socialization/normative approach. To test the predictions, we compare members' behaviors in all-male and all-female groups in a male-dominated coeducational college and all-female groups in a female-dominated women's college. Contrary to several often-cited previous studies, we find few gender differences between same-sex groups in task and positive socioemotional behavior. Women and men in same-sex groups have similar rates of active task behaviors, directive behaviors, positive socioemotional behaviors, and passive task behaviors; these findings support the original formulation of status characteristics theory. Two gender differences emerge, however, providing some support for the socialization/normative approach: Women have higher rates ofagreements than men, and men have higher rates of counterarguments. Finally, the social composition of authority structure has little effect on group members' task and socioemotional behavior in these organizational settings.