Chapter 8: Group Cohesion 8 Group Cohesion C H A P T E R

Session Outline Defining task and social cohesion Carron’s conceptual model of cohesion Measuring cohesion The cohesion–performance relationship (continued)

Session Outline (continued) Understanding factors associated with cohesion Building team cohesion –Exercise settings –Sport settings –Strategies for leaders or coaches –Strategies for group members

Defining Cohesion A dynamic process reflected in the tendency for a group to stick together and remain united in the pursuit of its instrumental objectives and/or for the satisfaction of member affective needs (Carron, Brawley, & Widmeyer, 1998) (continued)

Defining Cohesion (continued) Task cohesion: The degree to which group members work together to achieve common goals and objectives Social cohesion: The interpersonal attractions among group members

Figure 8.1

Measuring Cohesion Questionnaires (e.g., Group Environment Questionnaire) focus on how attractive the group is to the individual members and how the members perceive the group. Subscales: - Group interaction—task - Group integration—social - Individual attraction to group—task - Individual attraction to group—social

Figure 8.3

The Cohesion–Performance Relationship Cohesion is positively related to performance. Research has shown the cohesion– performance relationship depends on several factors: –Types of measures –Task demands (continued)

The Cohesion–Performance Relationship (continued) Types of measures –It was once thought that a positive cohesion– performance relationship existed with task cohesion measures, but there was no cohesion–performance relationship with social cohesion measures. –However, the most recent research shows that increases in both task and social cohesion are associated with increased performance. (continued)

The Cohesion–Performance Relationship (continued) Task demands –Original research argued that the cohesion– performance relationship was stronger with interacting teams (e.g., volleyball) and that no relationship existed with coacting teams (e.g., bowling). –However, the most recent research has shown the task demands do not influence the cohesion– performance relationship. (continued)

The Cohesion–Performance Relationship (continued) Direction of causality—the circular relationship: Increased cohesion leads to greater performance and brings teams together, which in turn leads to still more cohesion.

Other Factors Associated With Cohesion Team satisfaction: Increased cohesion is related to increased satisfaction. Conformity: The more cohesive a group is, the greater its pressure to conform to the attitudes and behaviors of the group. (continued)

Other Factors Associated With Cohesion (continued) Adherence –More cohesive exercise classes have better attendance, are more likely to arrive on time, are less likely to drop out, are more resistant to disruption, are more likely to experience positive affect related to exercise, and have stronger efficacy for exercise. –This positive relationship between cohesion and adherence appears to remain constant regardless of the leader-to-participant ratio. (continued)

Other Factors Associated With Cohesion (continued) Social support: There is a positive relationship between the social support an individual receives and that person’s evaluation of group cohesion. Stability: Teams higher in cohesion can better resist disruption; teams staying together longer tend to be more cohesive.

Other Correlates of Cohesion Group goals are tied to group cohesion. Other factors are group status, role clarity and acceptance, group norms, decision style, collective efficacy, self-handicapping, self-presentation, sacrifice, skill level, social loafing, attributions for responsibility, competitive state anxiety, imagery, motivational outcomes, and passion.

Building Cohesion Exercise settings: Classes with feelings of high group cohesion have fewer dropouts and late arrivals than do classes low in cohesion. Sport settings: Team-building exercises, clear and meaningful roles, team goals, communication, and personal sacrifice are related to increased cohesion. (continued)

Building Cohesion (continued) Team-building exercises emphasizing these aspects: –Group norms –Individual roles –Distinctiveness –Individual sacrifice –Communication or interaction

The MAPS Approach to Team Building Mission: Derive and clarify team mission. Assessment: Assess team strengths and areas needing improvement. Plan: Develop action plans to improve effort and commitment. Systematic evaluation: Reflect, review, and revise group goals and plans.

Shared Team Values: A Prerequisite for Team Building Team values need to be developed and understood because values clarify the path to achieving goals as well as being critical to building trust among players and coaches. (continued)

Shared Team Values: A Prerequisite for Team Building (continued) Shoenfelt (2010) five-step process for clarifying goals: 1. Identify team goals. 2. Individual team members identify potential team values. 3. Team discusses how values support team goals. 4. Gain consensus on top five to seven team values. 5. Prioritize team values.

Strategies for Building Group Cohesiveness Increase distinctiveness: –Have a group name. –Make a group T-shirt. –Hand out neon shoelaces. –Make posters for class. See table 8.1.

Principles Underlying the Team- Building Program in a Sport Setting Coaches use several principles to develop team-building programs –Leadership –Distinctiveness –Sacrifice

Guidelines for Building Team Cohesion Strategies for leaders: –Communicate effectively. –Explain individual roles in team success. –Develop pride within subunits. –Set challenging team goals. –Encourage team identity. –Avoid formation of social cliques. (continued)

Guidelines for Building Team Cohesion (continued) Strategies for leaders: –Avoid excessive turnover. –Conduct periodic team meetings. –Enhance team efficacy. –Know the team climate. –Get to know others; enhance personal disclosure. (continued)

Guidelines for Building Team Cohesion (continued) Strategies for group members: –Get to know other members of the group. –Help group members whenever possible. –Give group members positive reinforcement. –Be responsible. –Communicate honestly and openly with leader. –Give 100% effort at all times.

Activity 8.3: Building Cohesion in an Exercise Class