Effects of Interdependence on Motivation, Inter-Team Interaction Processes, and Performance

Abstract : This dissertation explored the performance effects of task interdependence and pay interdependence at the level of analysis of the division, defined here as an organizational unit composed of multiple teams. The study also examined relationships among task interdependence, pay interdependence, and 3 variables through which task interdependence and pay interdependence were hypothesized to have their effects on division performance, namely, goal priority (i.e., whether priority is given to division level goals over team level goals), inter-team information sharing, and inter-team collaboration. Further, an expanded model was tested that included, in addition to the variables noted above, division efficacy, goal difficulty, and task implementation tactics. Results indicated a direct, negative effect of task interdependence on performance, which suggests that the experimental task was easier in the task independence condition.