INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND TASK-PERFORMANCE - AN EXAMINATION OF MEDIATING PROCESSES IN FRIENDSHIP AND ACQUAINTANCE GROUPS

This study used multiple methods to examine group processes (informati on sharing, morale building, planning, critical evaluation, commitment , monitoring, and cooperation) that mediate the effect of relationship level on group performance. The study uses a 2 by 2 experimental desi gn, crossing relationship (friendship vs. acquaintance) as a between-s ubjects variable and task type (decision making vs. motor) as a within -subject variable. Fifty-three 3-person groups participated in the stu dy, and data from 4 types of measurement were used to analyze the medi ating processes between relationship level and task performance. Frien dship groups performed significantly better than acquaintance groups o n both decision-making and motor tasks because of a greater degree of group commitment and cooperation. Critical evaluation and task monitor ing also significantly increased decision-making performance, whereas positive communication mediated the relationship between friendship an d motor task performance.