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This study investigated the effects of: (1) task-oriented communication and non-task-oriented communication on group outcome and (2) visual impairment on intragroup and intergroup communication in competitive situations. Forty-eight male and female subjects participated in the Prisoner's Dilemma game. The results showed that the amount of taskoriented interaction was significant in determining goal accomplishment, while the non-task-oriented interaction was not significant in determining the outcome. Also, it was found that the intragroup verbal interaction was significantly impaired by visual barriers. These results are discussed in relationship to group dynamics. This study investigates (1) the effects of task-oriented and nontask-oriented communication on group performance in group competition and (2) the relationship between intergroup and intragroup visual contact on intragroup communication behavior.Generally, researach in communication behavior between competitive groups is limited. Some links have been made among cohesiveness, communication, and competition (Shaw, 1958;Schachter, 1951; Haythom, 1953 Haythom, , 1968Van Zelst, 1952). However, the effects of taskoriented and non-task-oriented communication on group cohesiveness and group performance have not received equal attention (Bormann, 1975).Several explanations have been advanced to account for successful groups. Studies have determined that interdependent group tasks enhance communication and cohesiveness (Landers & Luschen, 1974)