Rank Consensus and Experimentally Induced Changes in Interpersonal Evaluations

Abstract

Changes in participation and mediated outcomes of top and bottom members were used to alter interpersonal evaluations in discussion groups varying in rank consensus. Bottom members consistently improve in evaluation with increased participation. Top members do not decline in evaluations with decreased participation once rank consensus is established. Consensus appears to operate more through status credits than equity processes. Finally results of evaluation changes due to changes in mediated outcomes are supportive of exchange theory and the giving of status for valued contributions.