Research has neglected the dynamics by which participation af
fects organizational outcomes. This study argues that the effects of
participation depend substantially on how employees interact as
they discuss organizational problems. Results indicate that coop
erative compared to competitive context facilitates expectations of
assistance, exchange of information and ideas, enhanced work re
lationships, and high-quality solutions. Findings suggest that re
search on the dynamics within participation can help resolve
conflicting findings and suggest ways to implement successful
participation.
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