New Developments in Social Interdependence Theory

TLDR

Social interdependence theory, developed nearly 60 years ago, has evolved through extensive research and application—particularly in education and business—resulting in numerous revisions and over 750 studies. This paper critically examines the recent developments that have emerged from the theory’s extensive research and widespread application.

Abstract

Social interdependence theory is a classic example of the interaction of theory, research, and practice. The premise of the theory is the way that goals are structured determines how individuals interact, which in turn creates outcomes. Since its formulation nearly 60 years ago, social interdependence theory has been modified, extended, and refined on the basis of the increasing knowledge about, and application of, the theory. Researchers have conducted over 750 research studies on the relative merits of cooperative, competitive, and individualistic efforts and the conditions under which each is appropriate. Social interdependence theory has been widely applied, especially in education and business. These applications have resulted in revisions of the theory and the generation of considerable new research. The authors critically analyze the new developments resulting from extensive research on, and wide-scale applications of, social interdependence theory.