Robbers cave experiment

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 Contents

I) How the robbers cave experiment was done?

II) Why the Experiment is examined ?

III) How Robber Cave applied to ‘groups’ ?

IV) How to use the Robber’s Cave findings in your organization?

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I) How the robbers cave
experiment was done?

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IV) How to use Robber’s Cave
Findings in Your Organization

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‘What is it exactly about
groups that make tension,
and how to reduce that
tension?’(Bo, 2013)

- Muzafer Sheriff
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 The experiment included 22 boys (11-12 years old)
Divided into 2 different groups
Phase 2: Competition Stage Tension
Phase 1: In-group
- Created competition for
formation
resources
- Group bonding
- 1 winner & 1 loser
Vandalism

Stage 3: Integration stage

- Cooperation (Bo, 2013)
- Together to solve a
common problem
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 * one of the best ways to
Robbers reduce this kind of group
Cave bias
experiment * Socialize and work
has been towards a common cause

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(Bo, 2013)
II) Why the experiment is
examined ?

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 INTERGROUP CONFLICT
COMPETITION
(compete for scarce resources)

Perceive
Real ( there is a perception that
( food, drink, job, political clout, immigrants are depriving job
reputation,...)
opportunities from the native born
workers =>conflict prejudice.
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Muzafer Sherif developed Realistic Conflict Theory based
on the result of Robber Cave experiment.

What is Realistic Conflict Theory?

“The theory is used to explain the conflict, negative

prejudices and discrimination that occur between groups of
people who are in competition for the same resources” (Yolanda
& Jennifer, n.d)

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How does Robber Cave prove and explain for?
Example 1: Suppose that the Eagles and Rattlers wanted to go on the hiking trip.
● The eagles had all of the required hiking gear
● The rattlers had the required hiking maps

Phase 1: In-group Formation

● The eagles
● The rattlers

Phase 2: Competition Stage

Competition for the prizes

Phase 3: Integration Stage

With cooperation => The hiking trip happens (Yolanda & Jennifer, n.d)
Without cooperation => The hiking trip doesn’t happen
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 How does Robber Cave prove and explain for?
Example 2: Suppose that white people and black people are in times of high levels of
unemployment. However, white people perceive that black people have taken their resources
( job opportunities).

Phase 1: In-group Formation

● White people group
● Black people group

Phase 2: Competition Stage

Competition for job opportunities

Phase 3: Integration Stage

With cooperation => Promote diversity
Without cooperation => Cannot promote diversity
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Realistic Conflict Theory can help
societies overcome prejudices and
also promote reconciliation between
groups.

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III) How Robber cave applied
to ‘groups’ ?

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 How Robber’s Cave relates to groups in OB
Overview, the establish of 2 groups following 5 stages of group development model
(Robbins. S., & Judge. T, n.d)

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 How Robber’s Cave relates to groups in OB
When 2 groups are in conflict, behaviors within the groups change.
- Group cohesiveness increases.
- Task orientation increases.
- Loyalty to the group increases
- Acceptance organizational behavior autocratic leadership increases.

⇒ More cohesion or unification enables a group to better cope with external threats.

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 How Robber’s Cave relates to groups in OB
Reactions to other groups
- Distorted perception and goals
- Negative thinking about other groups
- Reduce communication with the other groups

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When 2 departments within an organization are in conflict
(Hopper. E, 2019)

Use Robbers
Defining mutual goal
Cave
Eg: Company target
experiment

Both groups must be part of

Cooperation
Solution foster
cooperation rapprochement
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When 2 departments within an organization are in conflict
(Hopper. E, 2019)

For further
Make common tasks a
integrate
democratic activity
groups

Each group members maintains influence

Equal status
Making all team members They are contributing to
feel valued solving the problem.
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 References

● Bo, B. (2013). Robbers cave experiment. Retrieved from

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QGNxRGgBwM
● Happer, E. (2019). What was the robbers cave experiment in psychology?.
Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/robbers-cave-experiment-4774987
● Robbins, S., & Judge, T. (n.d). Organizational behavior (15th ed., p. 275).
● Yolanda, W., & Jennifer, L. (n.d). Realistic conflict theory: definition & example.
Retrieved from
https://study.com/academy/lesson/realistic-conflict-theory-definition-example-quiz.html?fbclid=IwAR0Qbp6I_
Vh-X43thusR6y-yFpXIOOUiPo-NlDHokl3Bjjs6ELLadYdcvyQ

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Thanks for listening to us
Have a nice weekend
And happy tet holiday :D

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