Interpersonal communication and feelings of belonging in work groups: The impact of the sociophysical environment.

Abstract

This study examined how properties of the physical environment and social climate influence group members' feelings of belonging as mediated by interpersonal communication. Group-level properties of the physical environment included worker density and degree of work setting openness whereas group-level social climate properties were group cohesion and supervisor support. Mediating properties of communication networks were intensity of ties and enjoyment of communication among workers. Data were gathered from all employees in nineteen non-customer service groups within four organizations using self-administered questionnaires. Group sizes ranged from three to fourteen members, resulting in a total individual-level sample of 105 employees. Physical measurements of the work settings were also made. A hypothesized cross-level model was tested using hierarchical linear modeling and path analysis. Of the four group-level predictors, only group cohesion had a significant positive direct effect on individuals' feelings of belonging. Intensity of ties and enjoyment of communication mediated the relationship between group cohesion and feelings of belonging. The two communication properties did not mediate the other three direct relationships. The hypothetical model was only partially supported. Furthermore, social climate had a greater impact on interpersonal communication and feelings of belonging than the physical environment.