The positive and negative effects of racism and sexism on perceptions of group cohesiveness and performance

Abstract

This study examines the effects of modern racism and modern sexism on individuals’ perceptions of work group cohesiveness and performance, and the moderating effects of work group demographic composition, and respondent race and gender on these relationships. We did not observe any of the predicted simple or interactive effects for racism. The main effect for sexism was not significant, but we found a significant two-way interaction with proportion of women in the workgroup on cohesiveness, and significant three-way interactions with proportion of women in the workgroup and gender on both cohesiveness and performance. Results and implications are discussed.