ABSTRACT
Early research on group productivity was characterized by the conviction that individuals are more productive in groups than when working alone. Thus, Shaw (1932) claimed to have demonstrated that individuals were better able to solve problems in groups than individually. Osborn (1953) developed brainstorming rules that were assumed to help groups produce creative ideas. The search for the magical quality that enabled groups to improve the productivity of their members stimulated research in this area and made it a fascinating enterprise.
