This study reports findings from a field experiment in which specific goals and performance feedback were provided to nominal "teams" of female sewing machine operators. Specific goals and feedback from management were associated with significant improvements in group cohesion and goal commitment in addition to improvements in product quality. However, overallsatisfaction and intrinsic job satisfaction decreased. These findings, together with decreases in turnover, are examined within a longitudinal comparison group design. Results are discussed with reference to theoretical and practical issues in field research and work systems redesign.
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