HOW FORMAL STATUS, LIMING, AND ABILITY STATUS STRUCTURE INTERACTION -3 THEORETICAL PRINCIPLES AND A TEST

We begin to develop a theory of how multiple social processes structur e behavior in informal task groups. Our approach is to treat three bas es of social structure-status characteristics. formal position, and se ntiment-as state organizing processes, and develop theoretical princip les about their combined effects. Literature review suggests three gen eral principles: (1) under specified conditions, status, formal positi on, and sentiment all structure a group's power and prestige inequalit y; (2) congruence and incongruence (as defined) among structures will affect their strength as organizing principles; and (3) the number of organizing bases will affect efficiency of the structuring process. We state these principles as foundations for incorporation in formal the ories. Finally we analyze data from 70 three-person discussion groups as a first assessment of the principles' empirical adequacy, report co nclusions, and suggest directions for further research.