FWF START Project:
Deviance in Task Groups

Groups perform everyday tasks. Yet, one member may perform poorly or very well, have opposing views, or criticize the group. Surprisingly little research has investigated how groups can capitalize on such deviant performance. The  START project develops and tests a comprehensive model of task groups’ responses to deviance, and subsequent group processes and performance. We expect that deviants who apparently intend to support the group (high attributed pro-group intent) will elicit integration and innovation, whereas deviants low in attributed pro-group intent will lead to defensiveness and ruining the group. Integrative analyses will yield systematic insights from the wealth of collected data and allow exploration beyond existing frameworks.

Key publications: 

Halfmann, E., & Thürmer, J. L. (2025). Perspective-taking and reactions toward poor performers in groups: A scoping review and discussion. Behavioral Sciences, 15(5), 612.  https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050612 

Thürmer, J. L. (2024). Testing the boundaries of the model of pro-group intent: Does group interaction influence reaction to poor performers? Group Processes and Intergroup Relations, 27(7), 1735-1754.  https://doi.org/10.1177/13684302241226924  

Thürmer, J. L., & Kunze, F. (2023). Reaction to poor performers in task groups: A model of pro-group intent. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 124(1), 123-144.  https://doi.org/10.1037/pspi0000396 

DTG START Workshop 

In March 2025, we hosted the workshop “Collective Intentionality: How Groups and Teams Run the Lab, Politics and Companies” at the University of Salzburg. The event brought together researchers from psychology, political science, economics, and organizational science to discuss current work on group processes, criticism, and deviance in task groups. With inspiring keynotes and lively project presentations, the workshop marked an excellent start for our FWF‑funded START research group “Deviance in Task Groups”.