Interdependence and Preference for Group Work: Main and Congruence Effects on the Satisfaction and Performance of Group Members Jason D. Shaw and Michelle K. Duffy University of Kentucky Eric M. Stark Washington and Jefferson College This study examined the direct and interactive relationships of interdependence (task and reward) and preference for group work on the satisfaction and performance of group members. Hypotheses were tested among a sample of task-performing group members over a four-month period (N’s = 328 – 432). Consistent with a “community of fate” perspective, hierarchical regressions revealed that interdepen- dence (task and reward) and preference for group work were positively related to group-member satisfaction. Consistent with “supplies-values fit” framework, the interaction of task interdependence and preference for group work was significantly related to group-member performance. Implications for the design of group tasks, the effects of group-member preferences, and the prediction of individual satisfaction and perfor- mance in group contexts are discussed. © 2000 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved. The use of work groups and teams in organizations has dramatically in- creased in the past several years, as has interest in understanding the dynamics of work groups (e.g., Campion, Medsker, & Higgs, 1993; Campion, Papper, & Medsker, 1996; Cohen & Bailey, 1997; DeMatteo, Eby, & Sundstrom, 1998; Hackman, 1987; Liden, Wayne, & Bradway, 1997; Sundstrom, De Meuse, & Futrell, 1990; Tannenbaum, Beard, & Salas, 1992; Zander, 1994). This rekindled interest focuses mainly on the prediction of group performance (Guzzo & Dick- son, 1996) with far less attention paid to the prediction of individual-level performance outcomes in the group context. This state of affairs leaves a critical gap, the identification of the factors that relate to individual satisfaction and Direct all correspondence to: Michelle K. Duffy, University of Kentucky, Gatton College of Business and Economics, School of Management, Lexington, KY 40506-0034; Phone: (606) 257-3741; Fax: (606) 257-3577; E-mail: mkduff2@pop.uky.edu. Journal of Management 2000, Vol. 26, No. 2, 259 –279 Copyright © 2000 by Elsevier Science Inc. 0149-2063 259