Exploring Negative Group Dynamics: Adversarial Network, Personality and Performance in Project Groups

Abstract

This thesis reports on a two-phase study conducted to explore how negative relations can influence individual group member's performance when working on a group project, and how frequency of communication and personality can moderate this relationship. The first phase of the project examined the impact of negative relations and frequency of communication on performance in project groups. Results showed that group members disliked by others were less likely to perform well, albeit frequent communication with others could make a person more likable and consequently help him/her perform better. The second phase of the project investigated how the "Big Five" personality traits (conscientiousness, agreeableness, emotional stability, openness to experiences, and extroversion) and position in adversarial networks interacted to influence individuals' performance. The results showed that those individuals disliked by their team members for whatever reasons were less likely to achieve a good performance rating despite having such desirable personality traits as conscientiousness, emotional stability or openness to experiences.