Problems of organizational control in microcosm: Group performance and group member satisfaction as a function of differences in control structure

Abstract

Studied 2 aspects of organizational control structure-amount of control possessed by all organizational members and distribution of this control-in 64 3-person groups of undergraduates using role-playing techniques. 2 hypotheses were tested and found significant (p < .05): (a) the higher the total amount of control of group members over decision making and the more equally the members share this control, the better the groups' problem-solving performance and the higher the members' satisfaction; and (b) these effects may be accounted for, in part, by more positive socioemotional interactions within those groups with higher amounts and more equal distributions of control. (37 ref) (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)