Group composition using interpersonal skills: An analogue study on the effects of members' interpersonal skills on peer ratings and group cohesiveness

Analyzed characteristics of groups in which all members were rated previously as performing at either high or low levels of interpersonal skills during a behavioral assessment procedure. Ss were 138 undergraduates. Group members evaluated each other's interpersonal behavior and their group's cohesiveness after a 2-hr leaderless session. Members of highly skilled groups were seen as more empathically understanding, more honest and open, more accepting, and as discussing more personally meaningful topics. Highly skilled groups were seen as more cohesive. It is suggested that a behavioral approach to group composition has a powerful effect on group members' perceptions of each other and of their group experience. (15 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).