Predicting positive self‐efficacy in group problem solving

Abstract

Abstract Problem‐solving groups are increasingly being used to involve employees in improving organizational performance. This study looked at people working in an organization that had reported group problem‐solving activities. It examined attributes including orientation toward group problem solving, general problem‐solving confidence, and expertise as well as demographic characteristics to determine their relative contributions to reported self‐efficacy in solving work problems in groups. Respondents (n = 288) completed questionnaires to assess the variables. Using stepwise multiple regression, it was found that educational level, expertise in the work area, problem‐solving confidence, orientation toward group problem solving, and amount of previous participation in such groups explained 47 percent of the variance in reported self‐efficacy. The results suggest that before inclusion in such groups, poorly educated people need training to increase their knowledge about the problem and to practice group problem solving.