Understanding group efficacy - An empirical test of multiple assessment methods

Methods of assessing group efficacy were examined using a multiparty role play negotiation. Group efficacy is defined as a group's perceived capability to perform. Three methods of measuring group efficacy were compared: (a) group potency, (b) an aggregation of group members' estimates, and (c) group discussion. These methods were used to assess group efficacy regarding several group performance characteristics. Analyses were conducted to assess various validity and measurement issues. All methods and types demonstrated construct validity; however, predictive validity was modest and varied across the measures. The group discussion method predicted group outcomes better than the potency scale or aggregate method. As expected, generalized efficacy measures predicted general performance indicators, and task-specific measures predicted task-specific performance.