Key Informant Models for Measuring Group-Level Variables in Small Groups: Application to Plural Subject Theory

56 Pages Posted: 26 Jan 2012 Last revised: 28 Sep 2015

See all articles by René Algesheimer

René Algesheimer

University of Zurich

Richard P. Bagozzi

University of Michigan, Stephen M. Ross School of Business

Utpal M. Dholakia

Rice University - Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business

Date Written: May 1, 2015

Abstract

We offer a new conceptualization and measurement models for constructs at the group-level of analysis in small group research. The conceptualization starts with classical notions of group behavior proposed by Tönnies, Simmel, and Weber and then draws upon plural subject theory by philosophers Gilbert and Tuomela to frame a new perspective applicable to many forms of small group behavior. In the proposed measurement model, a collective property is operationalized as shared interpersonal action that explicitly allows us to control for systematic (method) error and random error. Group members act as key-informants of group properties and processes and are treated as methods in a multi-trait multi-method setting to validate our models. The models are applied to empirical data of 277 three-person groups to develop and illustrate new procedures for ascertaining variation in measures due to hypothesized construct(s), method error, and random error. Implications and guidelines for small group research are discussed.

Keywords: Key informant model, small groups, construct validity, multi-trait multi-method matrix, plural subject theory

JEL Classification: C30, C81

Suggested Citation

Algesheimer, René and Bagozzi, Richard P. and Dholakia, Utpal M., Key Informant Models for Measuring Group-Level Variables in Small Groups: Application to Plural Subject Theory (May 1, 2015). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1992439 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1992439

René Algesheimer (Contact Author)

University of Zurich ( email )

Department of Business Administration
Andreasstrasse 15
Zurich, 8050
Switzerland

HOME PAGE: http://www.market-research.uzh.ch

Richard P. Bagozzi

University of Michigan, Stephen M. Ross School of Business ( email )

701 Tappan Street
Ann Arbor, MI MI 48109
United States

Utpal M. Dholakia

Rice University - Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business ( email )

6100 South Main Street
P.O. Box 1892
Houston, TX 77005-1892
United States

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