Structural Adaptation Theory proposes that it is more difficult for teams to change from competitive to cooperative reward conditions than it is for them to change in the opposite direction, and this has been labeled the cutthroat cooperation effect [Johnson, M. D., Hollenbeck, J. R., Ilgen, D....

This article poses the question which reward structure (cooperative or competitive) has the best effects on team performance under which circumstances. Specifically, a cooperative reward structure is predicted to increase performance on means-interdependent tasks, while a competitive reward...

A contingency model of reward structures is developed, stating that the relationship between reward structure and team performance is contingent upon the performance dimension specified (speed vs. accuracy), team composition (team members' interpersonal orientation in terms of extroversion and...

This study tested predictions derived from Structural Adaptation Theory (SAT) on the longitudinal effects of centralizing and decentralizing decision-making structures in teams. Results from 93 four-person teams working on a command and control simulation generally supported SAT, documenting...