Task definition and minimization of inequality : decreasing inequality in small groups /
This study examines how status-organizing processes can be manipulated to reduce the effects of differing status characteristics on group interaction. Specifically, it will focus on ways in which inequalities based on a particular status characteristic, race, can be decreased as a result of manipula...
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| Format: | Thesis Book |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
[Place of publication not identified] :
[publisher not identified] ;
2000.
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://proxy.library.tamu.edu/login?url=http://proquest.umi.com/pqdweb?did=731966241&sid=1&Fmt=2&clientId=2945&RQT=309&VName=PQD |
| Summary: | This study examines how status-organizing processes can be manipulated to reduce the effects of differing status characteristics on group interaction. Specifically, it will focus on ways in which inequalities based on a particular status characteristic, race, can be decreased as a result of manipulating the perceived structure of a task. Using the theoretical frames from expectation states theory and social identity theory, an experiment was designed to test whether manipulating the definition of a perceived task would affect status inequalities in small, task-oriented groups. Experimental groups composed of two Anglo-American females and one African-American female worked together to complete a short, objective task. Based on the groups' performance levels and the amount of observable power and prestige exhibited by individual group members, results indicate that manipulating the perceived definition of the group task indeed reduced status inequality in small groups. This has important implications as small, diverse workgroups occur naturally in such forums as education and business. |
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| Item Description: | Vita. "Major Subject: Sociology". |
| Physical Description: | x, 89 leaves : illustrations ; 28 cm. Issued also on microfiche from University Microfilm Inc. |
| Bibliography: | Includes bibliographical references (leaves 54-61). |