Teaming up Type As and Bs: The effects of group composition on performance and satisfaction

Despite the potential to gain significant theoretical insights and practical inputs, relatively little attention has been paid to the role of Type A behavior pattern (TABP) in mediating the performance and satisfaction of groups. This study aimed to fill up this lacuna, by focusing on group performance and mutual satisfaction of Type As and Type Bs operating in homogeneous and heterogeneous teams. In two studies, 180 participants were allocated to three-member teams consisting of Type As and Type Bs in different proportions. The teams performed competitive and noncompetitive tasks. Results showed that teams consisting primarily of Type A members were more productive than predominantly Type B teams, and that this difference was enhanced when the teams performed competitive tasks. In addition, results showed that both Type As and Type Bs were generally more satisfied when teamed up with same-type members. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.