Public Negative Labeling Effects on Team Interaction and Performance. (August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kirk, Jessica F.; Hekman, David R.; Chan, Elsa T.; Foo, Maw-Der
• Is Part Of: Small group research. Volume 53:Number 4(2022)
• Page Start: 563
• Page End: 595
• Publication Date: 2022-08
• Subjects: labeling -- workplace negativity -- team performance -- team processes; Small groups -- Periodicals; Small groups -- Research -- Periodicals; Group Processes -- Periodicals; Psychotherapy, Group -- Periodicals; 302.3405
• DOI: 10.1177/10464964221082516
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1046-4964

Abstract

Across four studies, we examine how public negative labeling, which is when a group member is publicly identified as bad, affects team performance. Across three experiments and one field study, we test and find support for our model, that public negative labeling undermines team performance via reduced perceptions of team interaction quality. Our study contributes to the expansive conversation on team effectiveness which highlights that "fighting fire with fire" in terms of public negative labeling is ineffective for dealing with uncivil workplace behavior.