Survival of the fittest: implications of self-reliance and coping for leaders and team performance.
Using a laboratory methodology, the authors sought to establish an association between self-reliance (based on attachment theory) and team performance and satisfaction. Three hypotheses (direct effect, mediator, and moderator) were tested. With a sample of 187 students, the authors compared leader self-reliance characteristics with group member self-reliance characteristics (group n = 50) as predictors of group performance and satisfaction. Only group member counterdependence was predictive of decreased performance. Further, the authors examined the possible mediating and moderating effects of coping on the self-reliance-group effectiveness relationships. Coping did not mediate the relationship but did operate as a significant moderator in some instances.
Daus
C S
CS
Department of Psychology, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville 62026-1121, USA. cdaus@siue.edu
Joplin
J R
JR
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D017004:Codependency, Psychological; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D009769:Object Attachment