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).