Are Navy members with integrated behavioral styles considered to be more effective?.

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between influence behaviors and an individual's effectiveness in a work team. The influence behaviors of individuals in 17 navy decision-making groups from both shore and operational commands are tested in order to determine which behaviors are valued and considered to be most predictive of perceived effectiveness and influence. In addition, individuals' preferences to control or to be controlled are compared with their influence behaviors and perceived effectiveness. The results indicate that individuals who exhibit both behaviors that are aimed at asserting their own ideas or 'selves', defined as agentic behaviors, and behaviors that allow others to express their ideas or 'selves', defined as communal behaviors, are considered most effective by other group members at influencing group outcomes.