To agree or not to agree: The effects of value congruence, individual demographic dissimilarity, and conflict on workgroup outcomes

In this quasi-experimental study we investigate value congruence and demographic dissimilarity among group members as factors which influence various types of conflict with workgroups. We also examine whether it is beneficial for members to be different or alike, to agree or disagree, in order to foster work group productivity. Results indicate that visible individual demographic differences (i.e., sex, age) increase relationship conflict, while informational demographic differences (i.e., education) increase task-focused conflict. Value congruence of members decreased both relationship and task conflict, and the specific content of the values held by members influenced performance. Specifically, both detail and outcome group value orientations increased objective performance; outcome, decisiveness, and stability orientations increased perceptions of high performance; and both decisiveness and supportiveness orientations increased the satisfaction level of group members while a ream orientation decreased individual member satisfaction in this sample.