Mindfulness is detrimental to performance in computer-mediated interdependent tasks

In today's organizations interdependent tasks (e.g., negotiations or group-decision makings) are often conducted with computer mediation. Two experiments examined whether mindfulness, known to improve face to face negotiations and decision makings, influences the performance in computer-mediated interdependent tasks. In Study 1, manipulated mindfulness led to a worse outcome in a simulated computer-mediated negotiation compared to a control group. In Study 2, induced mindfulness undermined the decision performance of dyads interacting via text-based computer-mediated communication compared to a no-mindfulness control group. At the same time attention to the social relation was higher in the mindfulness condition. Hence, mindfulness is detrimental to performing on interdependent tasks if interaction partners use it in computer-mediated communication, although it fosters attention to interpersonal relations. Implications for mindfulness research and for research on computer-mediated communication are discussed.