Collective efficacy and true group performance

This study replicated and extended the original Ringelmann study on collective performance efficiency using a rope-pulling task. The design allowed for replication, but also extended the analysis to examine the role of perceived collective efficacy on performance efficiency. Collective efficacy was represented in two ways: first through experimental manipulation of performance feedback; and secondly, as an experiential factor through including different groups with different performance histories relative to the experimental task (e.g., rowing crews vs. basketball team members vs. ad hoc student groups). Findings showed a significant interaction between the two efficacy factors. Prior group experience influences these effects such that bath social leafing and transcendence was obtained. A practical implication for coaches/leaders is that to ensure transcendent performance they should arrange conditions such that experienced groups are confronted by salient tasks in a situation which challenges them.