Gender Composition, Situational Strength, and Team Decision-Making Accuracy: A Criterion Decomposition Approach

Authors: LePine J.A.¹; Hollenbeck J.R.²; Ilgen D.R.³; Colquitt J.A.¹; Ellis A.³

Source: Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Volume 88, Number 1, May 2002 , pp. 445-475(31)

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Abstract:

This study reexamines conclusions regarding the superiority of all male teams on traditionally masculine tasks. By decomposing the criterion of decision-making accuracy, we illustrate how male-dominated teams may, in some contexts, constitute the worst gender composition. Specifically, as the percentage of males on a team increased, there was an exponential increase in the tendency for making decisions that were overaggressive. However, this bias in male-dominated teams' decision making was neutralized when teams received feedback on past levels of overaggressiveness. We document these effects in a study of 80 four-person teams using a simulation of a task that is masculine in its characteristics and male-dominated in terms of occupational demography. Possible interventions aimed at improving team decision-making accuracy are suggested. Copyright 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).

Language: English

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Management, University of Florida 2: Department of Management, Michigan State University 3: Michigan State University

Publication date: 2002-05-01