Notes that much human activity is monotonous, arduous, or degrading and that most low-caste groups eventually revolt. Suggests that humans use chimpanzees as a permanent minority group that will serve simultaneously as laborers and scapegoats. (MB)

College males were placed into six groups of friends and strangers, with two persons per group. Working alone and with partners, subjects were asked to exert vertical pressure using a six foot pole. No significant differences among potential and actual group performances for groups of friends and strangers were obtained. (Author/RD)

Classifies organizational theories, by analytical level and assumptions about human nature, into four perspectives (system-structural, strategic choice, natural selection, collective action), each with different concepts of organizational structure, behavior, change, and managerial roles. Identifies six debates generated among the perspectives and…

Argues that using data collected at an individual level to make inferences concerning the effects of group level processes on individual behavior and attitudes often results in unrecognized inaccuracies. Demonstrates a multilevel approach for examining individual and group level influences of a social interaction variable on individual outcomes.…

An analysis of the American agriculture movement begun in 1977 provides insight into group behavior, mobilization, and activation. Leaders who had recruited participants and organized local and state activities were interviewed. Problems of organizing, specifically when protest is involved, are also discussed. (KC)

To examine how group-relevant personality traits relate to student perceptions of their own involvement, 57 students taking introductory educational psychology at Temple University (Pennsylvania) were given a two-week treatment design. Only the relationship between liking hard work and involvement remained significant. (Author/LC)

Reanalyzes survey data from the perspective of socially shared discrimination as opposed to the individual experience of discrimination. Indicates that the effect of the individual experience of discrimination on the approval of violence is especially strong when shared with others. Discusses the socially shared experiences of job discrimination…

Studies the relationship between clients' personality variables and rehabilitation counselors' perception of these variables. Four client groups were created along two dimensions of personality variables: emotional security need and sexual problems. A significant relationship was found between the client's group membership and his evaluation with…

The most effective group leaders are those perceived as highly energetic, supportive, and flexible in their style, who provide stimulation for the group and opportunity for emotional expression and closeness. This positive confronting style is contrasted with an intrusive-aggressive or challenging style. (Author/JMF)

Discusses how a student's participation in a group can influence his or her behavior and how teachers can anticipate conflict situations and manage them. (IRT)

Social-emotional and rational-cognitive explanations of group risky shift on choice dilemmas (hypothetical life situations) were evaluated by comparing shift in groups of low Mach (emotional) and high Mach (non-emotional) subjects. Effects of Machiavellian beliefs on social functioning are examined. Group composition was not observed to affect…

Develops a theoretical model of the salient organizational variables related to mathematics achievement in high school. The model is composed of three variables: socioeconomic status, academic press, and collective efficacy. Finds, for example, that collective efficacy is the significant variable in the model in influencing mathematics…

Argues that recited stories provide rich information about organizations, groups, cultures, and reciter. Suggests method for analyzing oral histories and reanalyzes organizational stories from "Administrative Science Quarterly" and versions of the Lewin story about origins of T Groups using this new technique. Suggests possible…