When Needs Outweigh Desires: The Effects of Resource Interdependence and Reward Interdependence on Group Problem Solving

Abstract

Prior psychological research has established that groups outperform individuals on a variety of problem-solving tasks. However, the context in which group work typically occurs is rarely examined in laboratory experiments. In organizations, members of problem-solving groups often depend on one another for access to rewards and resources. They are also often required to apply their solutions in addition to generating them. This study explored the relationships between resource and reward interdependence and group performance in a relatively complex task setting, seeking to draw inferences deductively about the nature of the mediating constructs within such relationships. Whereas increased levels of resource interdependence had a positive impact on performance, mixed reward interdependence proved to be more beneficent than either low or high reward interdependence. During solution application, groups whose members did not have to share resources but were rewarded for their collective (rather than purely individual) performance were as effective as groups that were resource interdependent. Implications for future research on interdependence, group performance, and task design are discussed.