Felix and Oscar Revisited: An Exploration of the Dynamics of a Real-Life Odd Couple Work Relationship

The authors examine the dynamics of their own personal and work activities as an example of an effective but anomalous team, studied through self-reported cases of three critical incidents, and supported by measures of the two partners' cognitive styles. The case material and psychometrics demonstrate that the partners have profoundly differing preferred styles of dealing with their shared business problems. It is suggested that a cognitive approach alone is inadequate for exploring the collective life of the partnership as a collaborative entity. Exploration of deeper issues emerged from considering perceived similarities with the fictional odd couple, Felix and Oscar From this starting point the authors began to examine previously unconsidered aspects of their relationship including its denial of the significance of status, dominance, and gender differences. They suggest that homogeneity of style in a team may increase the likelihood of satisficing behaviors, whereas more heterogeneity reduces satisficing tendencies but with concomitant personal costs.