Cooperation and Productivity in a Simulated Small Group Work Task

View/ Open
Issue Date
2018-12-31Author
Novak, Matthew D.
Publisher
University of Kansas
Format
122 pages
Type
Thesis
Degree Level
M.A.
Discipline
Applied Behavioral Science
Rights
Copyright held by the author.
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
In the present experiments, I evaluated effects of antecedent- and consequent-based manipulations on cooperation and productivity in a novel group work task. Participants worked in three-person teams on a computer-based task where they could allocate time toward scoring points or assisting teammates. In both experiments, teams were assigned to a restricted (no communication allowed during trials) or unrestricted (communication allowed throughout the experiment) communication condition. In Experiment 1, two teams participated and completed the task in 180-s trials for one of three incentive types: (a) fixed incentive, delivered independent of performance; (b) individual incentive, delivered based on individual score; and (c) collective incentive, based on team total score and divided equally amongst teammates. Probability of incentive delivery also varied and was set to 10% or 100%. I conducted Experiment 2 in a similar manner with eight teams, the fixed and individual incentive types only, and incentive probability was always 100%. Cooperative response requirement also increased across six levels within each trial for both experiments. In Experiment 1, the team in the unrestricted condition engaged in more cooperative responses and was more productive than the team in the restricted condition. No main effects of incentive type manipulations were observed, potentially due to the multiple condition types. Results of Experiment 2 did not replicate the effect of the communication manipulation. However, participants engaged in fewer cooperative responses and were more productive in the individual incentive condition than in the fixed condition. Finally, demand curve analyses were used to evaluate responding across response requirements. Findings demonstrate the utility of the current methodology for examining variables that commonly affect workplace performance.
Collections
Items in KU ScholarWorks are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.
We want to hear from you! Please share your stories about how Open Access to this item benefits YOU.
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
Traditions in Spider Monkeys Are Biased towards the Social Domain
Santorelli, Claire J.; Schaffner, Colleen M.; Campbell, Christina J.; Notman, Nugh; Pavelka, Mary S.; Weghorst, Jennifer; Aureli, Filippo (Public Library of Science, 2011-02-23)Cross-site comparison studies of behavioral variation can provide evidence for traditions in wild species once ecological and genetic factors are excluded as causes for cross-site differences. These studies ensure behavior ... -
An Analysis of Training, Generalization, and Maintenance Effects of Enhanced Primary Care Triple P for Parents of Preschool-Age Children with Disruptive Behavior
Boyle, Cynthia L (University of Kansas, 2011-12-31)A brief primary care intervention for parents of preschool-age children with disruptive behavior, Primary Care Triple P (PCTP), was assessed using a multiple probe design. PCTP teaches parents procedures such as praise, ... -
Translating reinforcer dimensions and behavioral economic demand to inform incentive delivery in organizational behavior management
Henley, Amy Jessica (University of Kansas, 2017-05-31)Recent research has effectively translated behavioral economic demand curve analyses for use with work-related behavior and workplace incentives (e.g., Henley, DiGennaro Reed, Reed, & Kaplan, 2016). The present experiments ...