Status Characteristics Theory

Status characteristics theory describes the process through which differences in socially significant characteristics (e.g., race, gender, and education level) help create the social hierarchies observed in task-related group settings. Although unrelated to most work-related tasks, the values attached to status characteristics are used to generate each team member’s performance expectancy relative to others in the group. Those belonging to groups who are considered high in status-valued characteristics (e.g., male or Caucasian) are perceived as more capable of performing tasks and contributing to group goals. This is especially so when the attributes associated with the characteristics are considered relevant to the task at hand. Subsequently, these differential expectations create and maintain social hierarchies. Those granted higher performance expectations advantage from higher positioning in the power and ...