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The Pros and Cons of Dyadic Side Conversations in Small Groups

The Impact of Group Norms and Task Type

Northwestern University, riswaab{at}kellogg.northwestern.edu

Katherine W. Phillips

Northwestern University

Daniel Diermeier

Northwestern University

Victoria Husted Medvec

Northwestern University

This research explores the impact of dyadic side conversations on group norms within three- and four-person groups. The authors propose a link between dyadic communication and group norms such that the absence of dyadic communication enhances a norm of group unity, whereas its presence enhances a norm of faction-forming. In two studies, we demonstrate that the presence of dyadic communication opportunities can both help and hurt group performance and that this depends on a fit between the content of the norm and the wider social context. In negotiation tasks that benefit from group unity, the absence of dyadic communication results in a stronger focus on the group and its future as well as increased group performance. However, in problem-solving tasks that benefit from faction-forming, the mere presence of dyadic communication opportunities leads to increased openness to unique information, disagreement, and group performance.

Key Words: dyadic communication • group norms • problem solving • negotiation

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