Dynamics Within Participation: An Experimental Investigation

Research has neglected the dynamics by which participation af fects organizational outcomes. This study argues that the effects of participation depend substantially on how employees interact as they discuss organizational problems. Results indicate that coop erative compared to competitive context facilitates expectations of assistance, exchange of information and ideas, enhanced work re lationships, and high-quality solutions. Findings suggest that re search on the dynamics within participation can help resolve conflicting findings and suggest ways to implement successful participation.