Assessing the Impact of Demographic Faultlines on Workgroup Performance: A Study of Conflict and Outcomes

Abstract of the DissertationAssessing the Impact of Demographic Faultlineson Workgroup Performance:A Study of Conflict and OutcomesThis study addressed the frequently discussed issue of a relationship between the demographic diversity of a workgroup and its performance, by empirically testing for a relationship between a complex conceptualization of diversity (demographic faultlines) and workgroup performance bifurcated into processes, specifically relationship and task conflict, and outcomes, in terms of groups member's individual satisfaction with the group, commitment to the group, liking of other group members, and intent to stay. In addition, it hypothesized processes (relationship and task conflict) as mediators of outcomes. An online survey was administered at a single firm, ultimately gathering data from a sample population of 95 workgroups, representing 389 individual members. Using hierarchical regression analysis, the strength of the demographic faultline (Fau) of each group was tested for a relationship with relationship and task conflict and workgroup outcomes. Controlling for group size, the study found Fau positively predictive of relationship and task conflict, and not predictive of workgroup performance outcomes (given the finding of no relationship between Fau and outcomes, relationship and task conflict as mediators of outcomes was not tested), confirming only one of five hypotheses. The possible impact of the sample characteristics on this field study was discussed in conjunction with the theoretical, research, and practical implications of the findings.

Author

• Richards, Suzanne Jean

Language

• en

Keyword

• Conflict
• Faultlines
• Diversity

Date created

• 2014

Type of Work

• Dissertation

License

• All rights reserved

Rights statement

• In Copyright

GW Unit

• Human & Organizational Learning

Degree

• Ed.D.

Advisor

• Casey, Andrea

Committee Member(s)

• Bezrukova, Katerina
• Krishna, Vijay

Persistent URL

•  https://scholarspace.library.gwu.edu/etd/8336h1992