Communication networks in task-performing groups - Effects of task complexity, time pressure, and interpersonal dominance

In an experiment on the emergence of communication networks, 48 groups, eac h consisting of 4 or 5 members, were randomly assigned to the cells of a 2 (high vs. low time pressure) x 2 (high vs. low task complexity) factorial d esign and completed a decision-making task. The interpersonal dominance of each member was measured via the Dominance scale of the Personality Researc h Form (PRF). Results showed that members higher in dominance emerged as mo re central in the group communication network both sending and receiving mo re messages than members lower in dominance. Group members correctly percei ved that those higher in dominance participated more in discussion. Communi cation was more centralized in groups that worked on the low complexity tas k than in groups that worked on the high complexity task Members correctly perceived that participation was more unequally distributed in more central ized groups. An anticipated interaction effect, with time pressure moderati ng the effect of task complexity was not supported.