In Search of Synergy in Small Group Performance

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Psychology, Social Psychology
Cover of the book In Search of Synergy in Small Group Performance by James R. Larson, Jr., Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: James R. Larson, Jr. ISBN: 9781136950773
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: January 11, 2013
Imprint: Psychology Press Language: English
Author: James R. Larson, Jr.
ISBN: 9781136950773
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: January 11, 2013
Imprint: Psychology Press
Language: English

This volume critically evaluates more than a century of empirical research on the effectiveness of small, task-performing groups, and offers a fresh look at the costs and benefits of collaborative work arrangements. The central question taken up by this book is whether -- and under what conditions -- interaction among group members leads to better performance than would otherwise be achieved simply by combining the separate efforts of an equal number of people who work independently. This question is considered with respect to a range of tasks (idea-generation, problem solving, judgment, and decision-making) and from several different process perspectives (learning and memory, motivation, and member diversity).

As a framework for assessing the empirical literature, the book introduces the concept of 'synergy.' Synergy refers to an objective gain in performance that is attributable to group interaction. Further, it distinguishes between weak and strong synergy, which are performance gains of different magnitude. The book highlights the currently available empirical evidence for both weak and strong synergy, identifies the conditions that seem necessary to produce each, and suggests where the search for synergy might best be directed in the future.

The book is at once a high-level introduction to the field, a review of the field's history, and a scholarly critique of the current state-of-the-art. As such, it is essential reading for graduate students, advanced undergraduate students, and researchers interested in group dynamics generally -- and small group performance in particular.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This volume critically evaluates more than a century of empirical research on the effectiveness of small, task-performing groups, and offers a fresh look at the costs and benefits of collaborative work arrangements. The central question taken up by this book is whether -- and under what conditions -- interaction among group members leads to better performance than would otherwise be achieved simply by combining the separate efforts of an equal number of people who work independently. This question is considered with respect to a range of tasks (idea-generation, problem solving, judgment, and decision-making) and from several different process perspectives (learning and memory, motivation, and member diversity).

As a framework for assessing the empirical literature, the book introduces the concept of 'synergy.' Synergy refers to an objective gain in performance that is attributable to group interaction. Further, it distinguishes between weak and strong synergy, which are performance gains of different magnitude. The book highlights the currently available empirical evidence for both weak and strong synergy, identifies the conditions that seem necessary to produce each, and suggests where the search for synergy might best be directed in the future.

The book is at once a high-level introduction to the field, a review of the field's history, and a scholarly critique of the current state-of-the-art. As such, it is essential reading for graduate students, advanced undergraduate students, and researchers interested in group dynamics generally -- and small group performance in particular.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Working Together by James R. Larson, Jr.
Cover of the book Returning to John Donne by James R. Larson, Jr.
Cover of the book Lost Histories of Indian Cricket by James R. Larson, Jr.
Cover of the book The Art of Writing Fiction by James R. Larson, Jr.
Cover of the book Rethinking Climate Change, Conflict and Security by James R. Larson, Jr.
Cover of the book Free Press Vs. Fair Trials by James R. Larson, Jr.
Cover of the book Michael Dummett by James R. Larson, Jr.
Cover of the book Mutual Flame - Wilson Knight V by James R. Larson, Jr.
Cover of the book Mughal Warfare by James R. Larson, Jr.
Cover of the book Romanticism and Methodism by James R. Larson, Jr.
Cover of the book Solution-Focused Brief Therapy with the LGBT Community by James R. Larson, Jr.
Cover of the book Beyond Westminster & Whitehall by James R. Larson, Jr.
Cover of the book Formulated Experiences by James R. Larson, Jr.
Cover of the book Advances in Applied Social Psychology by James R. Larson, Jr.
Cover of the book Bereavement by James R. Larson, Jr.
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy