The effects of proportional representation on intragroup behavior in mixed-race decision-making groups

Drawing on Kanter's (1977) observations and assertions, this study employs a structural approach to examine the influence of group racial composition on the behavior of group members. To be specific, this study assesses the e ffects of proportional representation on the behavior of Asian group member s who were assigned to one of three types of groups: all-Asian groups, Asia n-Caucasian balanced groups, and Caucasian-dominated groups. Groups were as signed the task of discussing and generating a solution for a managerial ca se scenario. The discussions were videotaped and viewed by independent judg es who evaluated patterns of intragroup behavior including levels of partic ipation and leadership behavior among group members. The findings suggest t hat proportional representation can act as a significant source of influenc e on behavior of group members. We conclude this article with a discussion of the implications of these findings from both a practical and theoretical perspective.