When Pairing Reduces Scaring : The Effect of Dyadic Ideation on Evaluation Apprehension

The formation of idea generation groups through the combination of dyads, rather than individuals, is examined. The results show that pairwise group structuring is an effective method by which to reduce evaluation apprehension within idea generation groups composed of managerial participants in a controlled experimental environment. The integration of solitary ideators into an interactive group in nominal group technique (NGT) is shown to be problematic in terms of participants' evaluation apprehension. The study's sample consisted of 72 middle and upper managers from a broad range of functions and industries. This demographic is heavily involved with cross-functional collaboration in industry. The results open up a new research area and suggest that pairwork within groups be leveraged to optimise creativity in groups by addressing common problems such as evaluation apprehension, the common knowledge effect, hidden profile and free riding.