Impact of individual differences, reward distribution, and task structure on productivity in a simulated work environment

Abstract

Analyzed the effects of intragroup competition on group productivity within a research design that accounted for both individual differences and experimental effects. 72 college students were given the Minnesota Clerical Test and then randomly assigned to 3-man groups in 1 of 4 conditions: differential- or equal-reward distribution or high- and low-task-flow interdependence. Individuals in the differential-reward and the low-task-flow-interdependence conditions were more productive than those in the equal-reward and the high-task-flow conditions. Differential and experimental analyses combined accounted for more variance in productivity than either analysis alone. Both experimental conditions moderated the relationship between the test and productivity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)