Some Consequences of Age Heterogeneity in Decision-Making Groups

Status is most frequently defined as relative position in a hierarchy. Moreover, it is generally agreed that age, sex, and race are status variables (13). Finally, it is frequently assumed that a power component is inherent in status as a social dimension. The study presented here tests this assumption by analyzing the relationship between a member's age and power or influence in a group decision-making situation within the American culture. In addition, the study compares the group decision-making processes and products of male and female groups homogeneous and heterogeneous with respect to age.