The Relationship between Interdependence and Team Decision Making

Interdependence is considered to be a defining team characteristic that influences group performance. In this study the mediating effect of three process-related variables -cohesiveness, integrative behavior, and team coping style- on the relationship between interdependence (both task and outcome) and group performance in decision making contexts, is researched. Using data of 302 individuals organized in 47 teams within 35 organizations, multilevel regression analysis showed that cohesiveness, integrative behavior, and the team coping style all act as mediators in the relationship between task interdependence and the perceived outcomes of decision making. No mediating effects were found for the outcome interdependence and group decision making relationship. At the end of this article, the findings are discussed in terms of their theoretical and practical implications.