2026 Phlegar TeamsPerformWorseNewcomers
The article reports an online experimental study (370 triads, 1,110 participants) examining how the role of a critical‑information holder influences team decision‑making, communication dynamics, and perceived conflict. Participants first formed a dyad that discussed hiring criteria for five minutes, then a newcomer joined for a ten‑minute hidden‑profile hiring task. One member—either a newcomer or an original dyad member—received unique, critical information about the best candidate. The study also manipulated prestige‑based status via a bogus “Person Insight” test, assigning participants to high (80th percentile) or low (40th percentile) status. Primary outcomes were (1) group performance (correct hiring decision), (2) linguistic coordination measured via function‑word alignment using ConvoKit, and (3) self‑reported task conflict. Bayesian multilevel models showed that teams were significantly less likely to choose the correct candidate when the newcomer held the critical information (15% correct) versus when an original member did (28.7% correct). Newcomers with critical information displayed weaker linguistic coordination and reported higher task conflict. The prestige manipulation did not credibly offset the newcomer disadvantage; status had a small effect on coordination (high‑status members coordinated slightly less) but did not improve performance. The authors discuss implications for rapid formation of newcomer bias, the role of early communication dynamics, and suggest future work using richer interaction modalities, multiple newcomers, and alternative status cues. Limitations include the chat‑based medium, modest effect sizes, and the solo‑newcomer design.
Topics
Newcomer Critical‑Information Disadvantage in Team Decision‑Making
Empirical finding that teams are less likely to make the correct hiring decision when the newcomer, rather than an original member, holds the essential information.
Dyad‑to‑Triad Hidden‑Profile Experimental Design
Online chat protocol where two initial members discuss for five minutes, a newcomer watches a video, then all three engage in a ten‑minute hiring task with one holder of critical information; Bayesian multilevel analysis applied.