The Influence of Cognitive-based Group Composition on Decision-making Process and Outcome

The effects of cognitive‐based group composition on decision‐making process (problem formulation, ideation) and outcome (performance, time‐to‐decision) were investigated. Two types of composition based on the Myers–Briggs Type Indicator were compared – a uni‐temperament group composition (all sensing‐judgers), common among supervisors and managers, and a multi‐temperament composition (a sensing‐judger, a sensing‐perceiver, an intuitive‐thinker, and an intuitive‐feeler). While significant relationships were found between the process and outcome stages, cognitive‐based group composition generally did not predict the decision‐making process or outcome variables. A significant interaction between group composition and problem formulation, however, suggests that a multi‐temperament (heterogeneous) composition can moderate the effect of problem formulation on performance. The implications of these findings for cognitive‐based group composition and decision making are discussed, along with suggestions for future research