ABSTRACT
This essay reviews the literature on participation in small groups. Studies are distinguished as concerned with (a) identifying social or psychological factors that are assumed to be responsible for distributions of speaking opportunities in groups or (b) assessing the effect of participation hierarchies on group process and outcomes. Five general classes of antecedents are identified: member, group, and task characteristics; technology; and time. Three types of participation effects are also identified: individual- and group-level effects and effects on interaction. Two general criticisms are provided: First, a theory of participation is needed that specifies the role of antecedents on participation and how such antecedents play a role in participation outcomes; second, studies of participation should consider the role of discourse in the distribution of opportunities to speak. Suggestions for future research are offered.
