Comparison of allocations by individuals and interacting groups in an escalation of commitment situation

Scott E. Seibert, Sonia M. Goltz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this study, individuals and interacting 3-person groups were asked to make a series of allocation decisions using a modified version of the A&S decision case (Staw, 1976). Based on the choice-shift effect, it was hypothesized that groups would allocate more to a failing course of action than would individuals, and that these differences would emerge only after repeated sequential decisions. Both hypotheses were supported. These findings suggest that processes unique to groups account for the greater allocations of groups, relative to individuals in escalation situations. The implications of these findings in applied settings are discussed.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)134-156
Number of pages23
JournalJournal of Applied Social Psychology
Volume31
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2001
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology

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