Marching to the beat of a different drummer: Examining the impact of pacing congruence

Abstract

In this article, we develop theory predicting the impact of being in (and out) of sync with the general pace of the social environment at work. We examine how fit and misfit between individual and aggregate work group hurriedness impact satisfaction, psychological strain, and helping behavior. The hypotheses are tested in a manufacturing organization using a combination of polynomial regression and hierarchical linear modeling. Response surface graphs indicate that fit with the hurriedness of the work group generally maximizes satisfaction and helping behavior. A more complex relationship determines strain. In comparing misfit situations, individuals are less strained and less satisfied when they exceed the work group’s pace versus when work group pace exceeds theirs.