Group Cohesion

group cohesion
/ɡruːp/ /kə(ʊ)ˈhiːʒ(ə)n/

a number of people or (of objects)

things that are located, the state of sticking together,
gathered, or classed or
together. (of people) being in close
agreement and working well
together
 Definition
There are several definitions:

• Group cohesion is a social process that characterizes

groups whose members interact with each other and
refers to the forces that push group members closer
together.

• Group cohesion is the tendency for a group to be in

unity while working towards a goal or to satisfy the
emotional needs of its members.

• Group cohesiveness arises when bonds link members

of a social group to one another and to the group as a
whole.
 A social
process

GROUP
COHESION
A tool to Refers to the
satisfy goals bonds of
of both
individuals
individuals
and the group within groups
Why Does It Occur

Attraction

Group Pride

Task commitment

Personal Gain

Sense of belonging
 What Affects It

• Similarity • Status • Member

turnover
• Size of the • Difficulty of
group entry • Threat

• Time • Inter- • Previous

dependency experience

• Location • Management • Cooperation

behavior
Forces Guiding Group Cohesion

Negative
Privileges lost
by leaving the group

Positive
Group Rewards
 Effects Of Group Cohesion

Its effects may be positive, negative, or both:

• On Motivation • Group Conformity

• On Performance • Group-think

• On a Member’s Satisfaction • Learning

or Dissatisfaction

• On a Member’s Emotional
Adjustment

• Pressure On A Member
How To Increase Group Cohesion

Trust Communication

Feedback Objective
Identification
Thanks!
 References
• Schreiner, E. Seven Strategies for Developing Cohesive
Teams. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com
• Sinha, K. Top 12 Factors Influencing Group Cohesiveness.
Retrieved from http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com
• Piper, W., Marrache, M., Lacroix, R., Richardson, A., &
Jones, B. (1983). Cohesion as a basic bond in groups.
Human Relations, 36, 93-108.
• Beal, D. J., Cohen, R., Burke, M. J., & McLendon, C. L.
(2003). Cohesion and performance in groups: A meta-
analytic clarification of construct relation. Journal of
Applied Psychology, 88, 989-1004.