ABSTRACT
People in organizations share a rich variety of connections. Their work might require them to associate with one another as a regular part of job performance. They might band together to share resources, such as access to valuable equipment or financial resources, even when their work does not require direct contact between individuals. Pooled interdependence occurs when people draw resources from a shared source but have little else in common. Resources pooled together in this manner might include money, equipment, raw materials, information, or expertise. Sequential interdependence consists of a chain of one-way interactions in which people depend on those individuals who precede them in the chain. Reciprocal interdependence always involves some sort of direct interaction, such as face-to-face communication, telephone conversations, or written instructions. The type of interdependence that connects people in interpersonal relationships has several important managerial implications.
