Abstract
Rapport plays a key role in small group interaction, yet there remain gaps in understanding the construct. The current study examined whether initial group rapport among triads of strangers could predict later social bonding and group emotion. Results indicated that initial group rapport reliably predicted subsequent social bonding and emotional experience across multiple measures. These findings support use of global thin slice rapport measures in small groups. Further, they suggest that rapport can be assessed reliably within the first minute of meeting and that ratings of group experience in just this first minute offer valuable insight into subsequent group formation.
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