Attributions of Shy and Not-Shy Group Members for Collective Group Performance

Abstract

The current study sought to extend research on shyness from a focus on individuals and dyadic interactions to the role of shyness in small decision-making groups by examining attributions for group performance by shy and not-shy persons and the affect experienced as a result of performance feedback Seventy-four participants were randomly assigned to small groups and completed a decision-making task. When given performance feedback, not-shy participants made group-serving attributions and experienced more positive affect following group success than failure. Shy participants minimized their responsibility for both group success and failure, attributed the cause of success equally between the group and the situation, and attributed the cause of failure to the group itself. Shy participants' affect did not vary as a result of the performance feedback. Shy persons, based on their self-reports, appeared to isolate themselves within the group, attending to group interactions but withholding ideas and not fully participating.