1. chapter 8
Group Cohesion

2. Session Outline Defining Cohesion
Carron’s Conceptual Model of Cohesion
Measuring Cohesion
The Cohesion––Performance Relationship
(continued)

3. Session Outline (continued)
Other Factors Associated With Cohesion
Building Cohesion
Exercise settings
Sport settings
Leader or coach strategies
Group member strategies

4. Defining Cohesion 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)

5. Defining Cohesion Task cohesion
The degree to which group members work together to achieve common goals and objectives
Social cohesion
The interpersonal attractions among group members

6. Carron’s Conceptual Model of Cohesion
Adapted, by permission, from A. Carron, 1982, "Cohesiveness in sports groups: Interpretations and considerations," Journal of Sports Psychology 4(2): 131.

7. 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.
Group integration—task subscale (e.g., Our team is united in trying to reach its goals for performance)
(continued)

8. Measuring Cohesion (continued)
Group integration—social subscale (e.g., Members of our team do not stick together outside of practicing and games)
Individual attraction to group—task subscale (e.g., I don’t like the style of play on this team)
Individual attraction to group social subscale (e.g., Some of my best friends are on the team)

9. Measuring Cohesion Sociogram
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10. The Cohesion–Performance Relationship
Cohesion is positively related to performance. The relationship was traditionally thought to depend on several factors. Recent research has shown which of these factors do influence the cohesion–performance relationship.

11. The Cohesion–Performance Relationship
Types of measures
It was once thought that a positive cohesion–performance relationship existed with task cohesion measures and 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.

12. The Cohesion–Performance Relationship
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.

13. The Cohesion–Performance Relationship
Circular relationship: Increased cohesion leads to greater performance and brings teams together, which leads to still more cohesion.

14. 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)

15. 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.
Social support
There is a positive relationship between the social support an individual receives and that person’s evaluation of group cohesion.

16. Other Correlates of Cohesion
Stability
Teams higher in cohesion can better resist disruption; teams staying together longer tend to be more cohesive.
Group goals
Group goals are tied to group cohesion.
Other factors
Other factors are group status, role clarity and acceptance, group norms, decision style, collective efficacy, self-handicapping, gender.

17. Building Cohesion Exercise settings
Exercise classes with high feelings of 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.

18. 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.

19. Strategies Suggested to Build Group Cohesiveness
Increase distinctiveness by
having a group name,
making a group T-shirt,
handing out neon shoelaces, or
making posters for class.
(See table 8.1 on p. 195 of text.)

20. Principles Underlying the Team-Building Program in a Sport Setting
Coaches used several principles to develop team-building programs, including leadership, distinctiveness, and sacrifice.
(See table 8.2 on p of text.)

21. Guidelines for Building Team Cohesion
Leader strategies
Communicate effectively.
Explain individual roles in team success.
Develop pride within subunits.
Set challenging team goals.
(continued)

22. Guidelines for Building Team Cohesion (continued)
Leader strategies
Encourage team identity.
Avoid formation of social cliques.
Avoid excessive turnover.
(continued)

23. Guidelines for Building Team Cohesion (continued)
Leader strategies
Conduct periodic team meetings.
Know the team climate.
Get to know others; enhance personal disclosure.

24. Guidelines for Building Team Cohesion
Group member strategies
Get to know members of the group.
Help group members whenever possible.
Give group members positive reinforcement.
(continued)

25. Guidelines for Building Team Cohesion (continued)
Group member strategies
Be responsible.
Communicate honestly and openly with coach or leader.
Give 100% effort at all times.