Social Facilitation Effects on Behavioral and Perceptual Task Performance Measures: Implications for Work Behavior

The present investigation examined the effects of the presence of others on both behavioral and perceptual task performance measures and job attitudes, serving as a constructive replication and extension of Ferris and Rowland (1980). It was hypothesized that the presence of others would demonstrate effects on the behavioral measure of performance quality but not quantity, and that effects would be found on both perceived effort and perceived performance. Null findings were predicted for the effects of the presence of others on job satisfaction. The results provided support for the first hypothesis and partial support for the second hypothesis. While the effects found for performance quality and not quantity replicated Ferris and Rowland, the pattern of results across conditions was different. The results are discussed relative to the distraction-conflict theory of social facilitation and to their implications for work behavior in organizations.