This paper focuses on the organizational group, noting the lack of an integrated theoretical base, describing the nature of group behavior theories, and suggesting the employment of a metatheory framework to improve both the theoretical integration and the practical application of group behavior research. The paper first considers four general approaches to group behavior: field theory, exchange theory, interaction theory, and systems theory. It then proposes a general conceptual framework or metatheory for classifying the variables addressed in specific theories of group behavior, and for organizing and summarizing the findings of small group research. The paper uses the metatheory to analyze and compare four systems theories of group behavior, and to integrate the results of eleven illustrative research studies. Finally, the paper argues that the metatheory approach serves both to integrate research findings and to facilitate the identification of variables that affect group performance. One figure and four tables of data are included; 56 references are attached. (SR)