Group productivity and process: Pure and mixed reward structures and task interdependence

Conducted 2 experiments in which triads participated in multitrial block-stacking tasks that allowed for objective measures of productivity and process. In Exp I with 210 undergraduates, the task was executed either interdependently in the form of a single tower or individualistically in the construction of 3 separate towers. Reward points were distributed equally (cooperative), in relation to contribution (independent), or only to the most productive group member (competitive). Results indicate that cooperative and independent systems were associated with greater productivity than competitive systems only under conditions of high task interdependence, and that there was no relation between reward system and productivity for the individualistic task. In Exp II with 154 undergraduates, independent and competitive allocations were each combined in varied proportions with cooperative allocation to examine the effects of mixed reward systems on productivity and process. Results show that even a modicum of competitive reward led to lowered efficiency and productivity. (18 ref)