Minority influence, status, and the generation of novel ideas

Purpose: This research identifies the conditions under which minority views are likely to be influential in problem-solving groups. Methodology/approach: Predictions that status processes moderate the effect of being exposed to minority views on idea generation are tested with data collected from a controlled laboratory experiment. Findings: Results indicate some support for the hypotheses that groups exposed to minority views generate more novel ideas, as do groups in which minority views are espoused by higher-status confederates. Research limitations/implications: Future research is required to establish the parameters that reduce flawed decision making based on convergence around the majority view. Social implications: Groups may realize their problem-solving potential through the consideration of more information and an examination of alternative views to the majority view by exposure to minority views, particularly those presented by higher-status people. Originality/value: By integrating status characteristics theory and minority influence theory, we explain how the greater attention granted to higher-status people and their ideas results in the generation of more unique ideas by other members in a group. The integrated theory explains how status processes affect the consideration of ideas, the examination of alternatives to the majority view, and the generation of new ideas among group members.