The moderating effect of outcome interdependence on the relationship between task conflict and group performance

The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which outcome interdependence moderated the relationship between task conflict and group performance. Questionnaire data were collected from coaches (N = 175) of university athletic teams (N = 45). Analyses were conducted at the coaching staff level. Hierarchical regression, controlling for the effects of the sex of the team coached and the number of persons on the coaching staff revealed that task conflict was negatively related to group performance. Moderated regression revealed that the aforementioned relationship was dependent upon the level of outcome interdependence. Specifically, when outcome interdependence was low, the relationship between task conflict and the team's performance was negative; however, task conflict was positively related to the team's performance when outcome interdependence was high. Results are discussed in terms of theoretical and practical implications.