The influence of performance-based group status on individual performance via task attention

While performance-based status was found to positively influence individual level performance among dyads, little is known about how this effect occurs. We examined the effect of performance-based status of groups on individual level performance in an experimental study combining survey data, simulation data and eye movement measurements of 75 university students. We further tested whether task-oriented attention is an underlying mechanism explaining this effect. Our results reveal that high compared to low performance-based group status positively influences individual performance as well as task-oriented attention. Our results contribute to the status literature by highlighting that working with superior performing co-actors directs individuals’ attention towards the task rather than the co-actors themselves, as has been previously suggested in research studies. Implications for further research and practice are discussed