Distributive justice beliefs and group idea generation: Does a belief in equity facilitate productivity?

Abstract

The equity rule is favored by groups that emphasize productivity, but there is limited support for the notion that equity actually facilitates productivity in groups (Deutsch, 1985). We propose that the relationship between equity and productivity may depend on whether individual group members have an independent or interdependent self-construal. This prediction was tested in an experiment in which groups endorsed either an equity rule or an equality rule for distributing resources and then generated ideas as a group. The results showed that equity facilitated productivity (e.g., the number of ideas generated) but only in groups whose members had been primed with an independent self-construal. The results of both self-report and video-tape data support competition as the mechanism that explains this productivity gain. This work contributes to research on both distributive justice and small group performance by specifying more clearly the conditions under which a belief in equity will stimulate productivity. AbstractThe equity rule is favored by groups that emphasize productivity, but there is limited support for

Individuals in mind, mates by heart: Individualistic self-construal and collective value orientation as predictors of group creativity

“…Although in line with our reasoning, these results seem to be at odds with previous studies, like Beersma and De Dreu (2005) and Goncalo and Kim (2010).In the following sections, we will elaborate on these studies and discuss their findings in comparison to ours.…”

“…This question, however, warrants further clarification. Goncalo and Kim (2010) reported that groups with individualistic self-construal supporting equity norms regarding the distribution of group outcomes generated more ideas than individualistic groups favoring equality norms or groups with collectivistic self-construal favoring either of these two norms. This seems to be inconsistent with our findings: Equity norms should positively relate to individualistic value orientation, as equity norms make individual outcomes dependent on one's individual contribution to group performance (cf.…”

“…Nemeth and Ormiston (2007) reported that a change in group membership (replacing an "old" group member with a newcomer) reduced levels of harmony and cohesion in groups, but increased their creativity. Goncalo and Kim (2010) discovered that group members primed with individualism and approving of reward systems based on equity (instead of equality) generated more and more novel ideas. Most notably is perhaps the finding reported by Goncalo and Staw (2006): They found that groups primed with individualism were more creative than those primed with collectivism.…”

Follow the crowd in a new direction: When conformity pressure facilitates group creativity (and when it does not)

“…Although there is evidence that individualism promotes creative expression (Beersma & De Dreu, 2005;Goncalo & Kim, 2010;Goncalo & Staw, 2006;Mok & Morris, 2010;Wiekens & Stapel, 2008), the idea that conformity to a norm for individualism can promote creativity seems to some like an oxymoron (Staw, 2009). Indeed, Goncalo and Staw (2006) argued that individualism promotes creativity in groups precisely because it reduces conformity pressure in team settings.…”

From a Mirage to an Oasis: Narcissism, Perceived Creativity and Creative Performance.

“…This self-focus could reduce production blocking and thereby increase the group's creative output. Indeed, there is recent evidence that people in competitive groups are more likely to interrupt their teammates to express their own ideas and that doing so actually increases the total number of ideas expressed (Goncalo & Kim, 2010). …”