Personality and Small Groups: An Interdisciplinary Perspective

In: Small group research: an international journal of theory, investigation, and application, Band 46, Heft 5, S. 536-575

Abstract

This review illuminated the need for interdisciplinary integration of research on personality and groups. Network analysis of references cited in 13 previous reviews showed that this literature is fragmented; the disciplinary base has narrowed over time; is dominated by psychology, organization studies, and small group studies; and is poorly integrated with other relevant disciplines. Research from an additional seven disciplines is reviewed. Insights from the review help to identify new research directions, based on reconsidering assumptions about the temporal nature and direction of personality causality and the locus of group interaction. Implications for research practices are discussed.