http://repub.eur.nl/res/aut/13890/ List of Publications en http://repub.eur.nl/static-eur/img/logo.png http://repub.eur.nl http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/20157/ 2010-06-01T00:00:00Z Extending the growing interest in the relationship between affect and workgroup processes, we propose that groups make better use of their distributed information and therefore make better decisions when group members are higher in negative affectivity. In an experiment, we studied the influence of negative affectivity when information was distributed among group members and when group members had fully shared information. Results indicated that negative affectivity indeed stimulates group information processing and decision quality when information is distributed among group members. http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/20879/ 2010-05-01T00:00:00Z Extending the growing interest in affect in work groups, we propose that groups with distributed information make higher quality decisions when they are in a negative rather than a positive mood, but that these effects are moderated by group members' trait negative affect. In support of this hypothesis, an experiment (N = 175 groups) showed that positive mood led to lower quality decisions than did negative or neutral moods when group members were low in trait negative affect, whereas such mood effects were not observed in groups higher in trait negative affect. Mediational analysis based on behavioral observations of group process confirmed that group information elaboration mediated this effect. These results provide an important caveat on the benefits of positive moods in work groups, and suggest that the study of trait × state affect interactions is an important avenue for future research. http://repub.eur.nl/res/pub/10722/ 2007-11-02T00:00:00Z Organizations tend to rely on small groups rather than individuals when important decision have to be made, based on the assumption that groups possess a broader range of informational resources and more diversity of insights than individuals. However, research on group decision-making shows that groups often fail to use effectively group members’ unique information. Central in this dissertation is the relationship between distributed information, the way groups process information, and the quality of the group decision. In three experiments, the influence of demographic diversity, dispositional negative affect, and mood on groups’ information elaboration process and groups’ decision quality is studied. Results indicate the following: Groups with distributed information and diverse demographic backgrounds elaborate information more and reach better decisions with a focus on information exchange and integration than without such a focus. Higher dispositional negative affect within a group with distributed information stimulates information elaboration and group decision quality. A negative mood within a group with distributed information only affects information elaboration within a group and groups’ decision quality positively if group members are lower in dispositional distress. In all three single experiments, information elaboration within a group mediates groups’ decision quality. It is concluded that diversity and affect – as disposition as well as mood – are important issues to include in group research and implications for research in organizational behaviour are discussed.