Understanding Students' Attitudes About Group Work: What Does This Suggest for Instructors of Business?

A survey was administered to college students to gain insight into their attitudes about classroom group work. Students responded that group work is generally a positive experience; however, they do not necessarily prefer it to individual assignments. Students' responses also indicated concerns about instructors' motivations for using group work, management of the process (or lack thereof) by instructors, free riding by teammates, and being accountable for the work of others. When comparing business and nonbusiness majors, some interesting, statistically significant differences are found. For example, business majors are more willing to be held accountable for the work of others and are more willing to terminate group members.