Understanding Group Cohesion and Development

Group Cohesion and Development

Group cohesion is the integrity, solidarity, and unity of the group. Cohesiveness is an indication of the health of the group and is related to a variety of other group processes. Entitativity is perceived cohesiveness. Cohesion (as the principle of equifinality suggests) can result from one or more sources, including attraction relations, task relations, identity, emotions, and structure.

Social Cohesion

Social cohesion is unity based on bonds of attraction among members and attraction to the group itself.

Task Cohesion

Task cohesion is unity based on members’ sharing a common goal that motivates them to work together to achieve that goal.

Collective Cohesion

Collective cohesion is unity based on members’ level of identification within the group. Identity fusion theory suggests that in extreme cases, self and group identities can fuse into one.

Emotional Cohesion

Emotional cohesion is the affective intensity of the group, often described as elan, morale, esprit de corps, or positive affective tone.

Relational Cohesion Theory

Lawler, Thye, and Yoon’s relational cohesion theory suggests that cohesion results from the positive emotions members attribute to social exchange in groups.

Behavior Coordination

Behavior coordination, including mimicry and behavioral synchrony, are not only likely to occur in cohesive groups, but acting in a behaviorally synchronized way (such as marching, as described by McNeill) increases group cohesion.

Structural Cohesion

Structural cohesion is group unity based on the structural integrity of the group, including roles, norms, and interpersonal networks of member-to-member relationships.

Group Development

Cohesion is the consequence of a period of group development, a pattern of growth and change beginning with initial formation and ending in most cases with dissolution.

Tuckman’s Five-Stage Model

Tuckman’s five-stage model of group development: orientation (forming), conflict (storming), structure (norming), performance (performing), and dissolution (adjourning).

Group Development Questionnaire

Wheelan’s Group Development Questionnaire measures orientation, conflict, structure, and productivity over time.

Group Structure

Three important elements of group structure are norms, roles, and networks of connections among members.

Norms

Norms are implicit, self-generating, and stable standards for group behaviors. Prescriptive norms set the standards for expected group behavior. Proscriptive norms identify behaviors that should not be performed. Descriptive norms define what most people do, feel, or think in the group.

Roles

Roles specify the types of behaviors expected of individuals who occupy particular positions within the group.

Social Network Analysis

Social network analysis, or SNA, offers researchers the means to describe a group’s structure both visually and quantitatively.

Role Ambiguity and Role Conflict

Role ambiguity occurs when the behaviors associated with a role are poorly defined. Role conflict occurs when group members occupy two or more roles that call for incompatible behaviors (interrole conflict) or when the demands of a single role are contradictory (intrarole conflict).