A multivariate investigation of machiavellianism and task structure in four‐man groups

This research study was addressed to the question of how group composition, based upon Machiavellian characteristics and under conditions of structured and unstructured task assignments, would affect the dispersion of group communication and reactions. The data suggested that both Machiavellianism and task structure significantly influence group communication, but that they are not dependent upon one another. Reasons for these findings and the applications to group communication theory are discussed.