The present investigation examined the effects of the presence of
others on both behavioral and perceptual task performance measures
and job attitudes, serving as a constructive replication and extension
of Ferris and Rowland (1980). It was hypothesized that the presence
of others would demonstrate effects on the behavioral measure of
performance quality but not quantity, and that effects would be
found on both perceived effort and perceived performance. Null
findings were predicted for the effects of the presence of others on job
satisfaction. The results provided support for the first hypothesis
and partial support for the second hypothesis. While the effects
found for performance quality and not quantity replicated Ferris
and Rowland, the pattern of results across conditions was different.
The results are discussed relative to the distraction-conflict theory of
social facilitation and to their implications for work behavior in
organizations.
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