The objective of this study was to test a theoretical model posited by the
author in 1995 that explains the relationships among self-construals (indep
endent and interdependent self-image), communication processes (participati
on, cooperation, and respect), and outcomes (satisfaction, performance, and
withholding effort) in homogeneous and heterogeneous groups. Students (N =
189) completed three tasks in a group that varied in composition from homo
geneous to heterogeneous in regards to age, gender and ethnicity. Results f
rom structural equation modeling revealed that (a) self-construals of group
members better explained the communication processes used by a small group
than did composition, (b) situational interdependent self-construals were
associated positively with participation and cooperation, (c) equal partici
pation and respect were related negatively to the degree to which members w
ithhold effort in a group, (d) equal participation and respect were related
positively with the level of satisfaction in a group, and (e) cooperation,
equal participation, and respect were not related to performance.