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A polarization model for describing group preferences

Article Abstract:

This article develops a model for describing the preferences of a group in terms of its individual members. The model incorporates the empirically observed group-polarization phenomenon. It is interesting that the resulting group preference evaluation is essentially a weighted linear model of individual preferences with the addition of an intercept term. The polarization model is empirically tested in two experimental contexts, faculty-candidate and restaurant selection. For both experimental situations, the polarization model performed better for the majority of groups tested in predicting a holdout sample than did either the more common weighted linear model without an intercept (with weights summing to one) or the multilinear model. (Reprinted by permission of the publisher.)

Models, Work groups, Teamwork (Workplace), Choice (Psychology), Social groups, Decision-making, Group, Group decision making

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The Effects of Recognition and Group Need on Volunteerism: A Social Norm Perspective

Article Abstract:

Organizations should use both promised recognition and promotional appeals emphasizing needs to encourage individuals to volunteer their time. Normative behaviors are a factor in convincing people to devote their discretionary time to worthy causes. Additionally, recognition tends to be an effective strategy when it is used to promote social needs rather than personal needs.

Charities, Nonprofit organizations, Volunteerism, Altruism, Altruism (Human behavior)

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Work Group Collectivism and the Centrality of Work

Article Abstract:

The article deals with the study of work group collectivism, work centrality, pride in work and nations effect on it. It states that work centrality and pride in work is higher in nations having higher work group collectivism.

Evaluation, Work ethic, Collectivism

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