Group Performance

Social interaction is of prime importance in daily life, especially so at work and for the interpersonal professions. Originally published in 1994, Group Performance is an invaluable account of the theory, research and practice of work in groups. The authors Henk Wilke and Roel Meertens examine how tasks are performed in groups and how group achievement can be encouraged. They also discuss the best structure for a group in order to achieve optimal results.

Beginning with the performance of the individual, and how this is affected by the presence of others, the authors analyse the role of cognitive and reflective tuning. They then explore how four processes – cognitive, reflective, communicative and structural tuning – operate simultaneously in groups. They also discuss different approaches to leadership in relation to the motivation and coordination of group members.

Group Performance will be of interest to all professionals whose day-to-day work depends on effective communication skills, and to students and researchers in psychology and communication.