Group size, composition, cohesiveness and leadership: A Proposed group Performance Model

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to investigate the potential effect of group size, composition, cohesiveness and leadership style on groups' performance. Hackman and Morris' model (1983) was used as a frame of reference. The proposed variables were embedded into that model to end up with a modified one. The choice of the above mentioned variables was based on a comprehensive literature review. The researcher used "The ABVInformation Data Base" to complete such a review that covers articles from 1978 through 1993. Most of the recent articles related to the subject matter were thoroughly reviewed and integrated to the body of this research. The study contains three parts. The first part was devoted to the examination of the underlying assumptions of (H&M) model. A new variable was introduced to the proposed model. The second part was devoted to study how each of the proposed variables would affect group performance. Finally, the third part was designed to incorporate the proposed variables into the (H&M) model. Four hypotheses were introduced to explain the expected impact of the proposed variables on group performance. Our major assumption here is that the impact on group performance is a product of the interaction of the proposed variables. In other words, although each individual variable is expected to have its own impact on the group performance, all variables are expected to have a unique impact on group performance.