Investigates the impact of interpersonal relationships on decision-making success in small groups using a business simulation game as a research vehicle. The study concludes that group decision making may be unfavorably affected by personality conflicts. (Author/JJD)

Procedures used by the Eugene (Oregon) Public Schools to train staff members as organizational development specialists are described. School employees volunteer time to work as internal consultants, using organizational management concepts to help colleagues in the school system improve their organizational capabilities, interact effectively,…

Findings suggest, among others, that argumentativeness is an important variable in the perception of leadership, with the highly argumentative individual chosen leader over the moderate or mildly argumentative individual. Highly argumentative individuals were also rated as more influential on the group's decision. (PD)

Focuses on personality as a predispositional factor which is predictive of the direction of both persuasive argumentation by group members and, subsequently, decision shifting. Tends to validate the value theory of polarization by showing that persuasive argumentation can mediate the effect of personality on decisional shifting. (PD)

A content analysis was performed on a sample of written descriptions of classroom events provided by 84 elementary school teachers in which they focused on the affective or noncognitive behavior of students. Content categories included: interpersonal v intrapersonal adjustment and individuals v groups. Teacher characteristics were also considered.…

Relevance of kibbutz education in relation to influence of progressive Western tradition is examined in: (1) analysis of objectives; (2) discussion of the success of the kibbutz in attaining the objectives; (3) comparison of the objectives in light of differences in social relations between the West and the kibbutz; and (4) reinterpretation of…

Social area analysis (SAA) is defined, and its conceptual roots and principal applications identified. The utility of SAA is assessed by reviewing use of demographic data among several disciplines. Authors review seminal and recent contributions to the field. Ecological fallacies and other problematic facets of SAA are considered. (Author/DWH)

Studies the sequence of phases in group decision making. Compares the unitary sequence model, which assumes that all groups follow the same sequence of phases, and the multiple sequence model, which assumes that different groups follow different sequences. Results support the latter model and suggest revisions in current decision development. (PD)

Examines the effect of leader and follower gender on leader communication behavior and follower satisfaction. Research suggests that group members can be equally satisfied with male and female leaders as long as they exhibit similar frequencies of task-oriented communication. (JMF)

Questioned day care center children during free play about their collective activity to determine how the representation of cooperation is structured and what kind of transformation appears during development. Found a developmental trend of representation of group activity after age 2. Results highlight the importance of group and day care center…

Analyzed data from Asian-American undergraduates (N=87), using the Ethnic Identity Development Exercise. Research indicated Asian-Americans are largely influenced by relationships and external forces. In addition, avoidance of shame was a strong motivating factor in determining ethnic identification. Reviews and summarizes identify formation,…

Examines participation on public telecomputing forums, such as electronic bulletin boards, newsgroups, and listservs, by looking at the flow of messages and users to predict participation. Measures forum success by critical mass and those people taking collective action towards a common goal. Studied the relationship between past and current…

Although rich in theoretical constructs, American Indian Studies is not considered a discipline because it lacks a core assumption or paradigm. The concept of peoplehood could be that core assumption because its elements--language, sacred history, religion, and land--make up a complete system that accounts for particular behaviors of people…

To investigate collaborative learning with multimedia, four groups of three ninth-grade math students worked for one hour with a multimedia package presenting the relationships between distance, speed, and time. Interactions were videotaped and transcribed. Groups engaging in cycles of observation, reflection, discussion, and feedback were seen to…

Investigated effects on group member satisfaction and communication behavior when male and female leaders either maintained or lost reward power during problem-solving sessions. Found group member communication was more substantive and positive when leaders maintained reward power than when they lost it; communication behavior was also affected by…