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An ounce of prevention or a pound of cure? Two experiments on in-process interventions in decision-making groups

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  • Fisher, Colin M.

Abstract

This paper details two laboratory experiments about the timing of formal interventions in decision-making groups. Study 1 showed that groups receiving in-process interventions pooled more critical information and made better decisions than groups receiving pre-task interventions because in-process interventions prolonged discussions and reduced discussion of member preferences. Study 2 showed a similar pattern of results over a smaller time frame; groups receiving in-process interventions prolonged their discussions, discussed member preferences less, and pooled more critical information than those receiving pre-task interventions because they perceived those interventions as more valuable, which indirectly improved the quality of their decisions. Surprisingly, the specific timing of in-process interventions had no significant effects on information pooling or group decisions in either study. These studies collectively suggest that decision-making groups respond more strongly to interventions designed to cure process problems, rather than prevent them, which has implications for theory on formal interventions, group decision making, and group development.

Suggested Citation

  • Fisher, Colin M., 2017. "An ounce of prevention or a pound of cure? Two experiments on in-process interventions in decision-making groups," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 59-73.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jobhdp:v:138:y:2017:i:c:p:59-73
    DOI: 10.1016/j.obhdp.2016.11.004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Faralla, Valeria & Borà, Guido & Innocenti, Alessandro & Novarese, Marco, 2020. "Promises in group decision making," Research in Economics, Elsevier, vol. 74(1), pages 1-11.

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