Intergroup behavior in organizations - A field test of social identity theory

This study tests social identity theory and realistic conflict theory by ex amining intra- and intergroup relations in a team-based community-health ca re organization. The relationships between people's patterns of identificat ion (with their work group and with the organization) and their perceptions of intergroup competition for scarce resources are related to in-group fav oritism Questionnaire data gathered from 112 participants, who were members of 17 wort groups within the organization, reveal that strong identificati on with the work group rather than the organization is related to high leve ls of in-group favoritism, thus supporting the relevance of social identity theory in an organizational setting. In-group identification did nor predi ct between-group discrimination in resource distribution, although such dis crimination was demonstrated We suggest that in applied settings the factor s influencing social behavior ore more complex than in laboratory studies b ut that social identity theory has clear practical importance for understan ding and influencing the effectiveness of team-based organizations.