Cohesion Flashcards
Group Dynamics
Field of study that focuses on gaining knowledge about the nature of groups and their development
And the interrelationships of groups with individuals , other groups, and larger institutions
(Understanding the nature of groups, how they develop, and how all institutions are related)
Groups differ based on composition (who is in them).
Individuals will contribute differently to the group based on who else is in the group.
Example: A varsity athlete who is the team captain and top player might also be a member of a national team but serve as a bench player. Their roles differ in each group, demonstrating how individual contributions vary across contexts.
Assembly Effect
variations in group behavior that result from the specific combination of individuals within the group.
Group composition plays a crucial role—variations within the group can determine its effectiveness, engagement, and overall dynamic.
The behavior of the group changes based on who is in it.
Certain individuals can significantly impact the group’s behavior as a whole.
Example: Parents often emphasize the importance of their children being surrounded by the “right crowd” to encourage positive behavior and influence.
Group and Team
Group: Two or more people who interact with and exert mutual influence on each other
Team: A specific type of group where individuals interact to accomplish shared objectives.
(Need to be a formal interaction, a structures
And a common objective)
4 characteristics of a Team
A group is not nessarylig a team, it becomes a team , there must be a common objective and these main characteristics
- collective sense of identity (“we/us” vs. “me/I”)
- distinctive roles
-Formal (captain) or informal (team mom) - structured modes of communication
- norms
-Social rules that guide the members what to do and what not to do
Group and Team Effectiveness
There is a strong connection between team effectiveness and group behavior in a sport setting.
Research supports several group processes associated with group effectiveness:
Communication
- effectively communicating between coaches and athletes
Decision-making: Majority rule tends to be the most effective
Challenge = conformity and “groupthink.” (Thinking where people want a cohesive group, want unity and to be on the same page/Majority win is not always good if it’s group think)
Cohesion
-Related to proximity, more time spent together, better communication, allows for athlete input
Group Cohesion
Definition: A dynamic process reflecting the tendency for a group to stick together and remain united in pursuing instrumental objectives and/or satisfying members’ affective needs.
Significance: Cohesion is a key factor in the success of a group or team.
Application: Companies often invest in team-building activities to enhance group cohesion.
Four Key Characteristics of Cohesion
Multidimensional in Nature:
Factors vary between groups
Factors that hold groups together are varied and numerous
Dynamic:
A group’s reason for staying together can change over time (e.g., from aiming to be the best team to genuinely liking each other)
Cohesion is not static; a group cohesive at the start of a season may not remain cohesive mid-season. It’s always changing.
Instrumental:
Groups form and stay together for a purpose
Affective:
Strong emotional ties among group members can keep them united, even if they are losing or not achieving goals
Cohesion: Individual and Group Aspects
Individual Aspects:
Focus on “What’s in it for me” — the perceived personal value or benefit of being part of the group
Beliefs group members hold about their personal benefits
Group Aspects:
Focus on the group as a whole and its collective value
Beliefs members hold about the group’s benefits and purpose as a collective
Cohesion: Task and Social Dimensions
Task Cohesion:
Orientation towards achieving group’s objectives
Degree to which members of a group work together to achieve common goals
Social Cohesion:
Orientation towards developing and maintaining social relationships within the group
Degree to which team members like each other
Cohesion: Task and Social Dimensions
Task Cohesion:
Orientation towards achieving group’s objectives
Degree to which members of a group work together to achieve common goals
Social Cohesion:
Orientation towards developing and maintaining social relationships within the group
Degree to which team members like each other
Perceptions of Group Cohesion
Group Integration - Social
Higher cohesion perception: “I believe my team gets along well; everyone is supportive and friendly.”
Lower cohesion perception: “I don’t feel like our team members really connect or spend time together.”
Group Integration - Task
Higher cohesion perception: “Our team is focused and works well together to achieve our goals.”
Lower cohesion perception: “We have trouble working together to achieve our objectives.”
Individual Attraction - Social
Higher cohesion perception: “I enjoy being around my teammates; we have a lot of fun together.”
Lower cohesion perception: “I don’t feel a connection with my teammates on a personal level.”
Individual Attraction - Task
Higher cohesion perception: “My teammates push me to improve, and I feel we’re all aiming for success together.”
Lower cohesion perception: “I don’t feel challenged by my team; I don’t think we’re all putting in the same effort.”
All of these factors contribute to our perception of how cohesive the group is—it’s a subjective experience, as there’s no definitive test to measure it.
A more cohesive group might lead to athletes being more likely to return to the sport, showing up on time to practice, and volunteering to support the team in various ways.
Conceptual model of Group cohesion
Group Cohesion:
———->
- Group integration (Perception of the group as a whole)
- Individual Attractions to Group (Believes about their own person benefit)
—————>
Social: developing and maintaining social relationships
Task: complete a goal
This model was used to create the Group Environment Questionnaire— it assesses group cohesion
Factors Related to Team Cohesion (Correlates of Group Cohesion)
Environmental
Leadership
Personal
Team
Each of these factors influences the cohesiveness of a team
Factors <———>Cohesion is sport team
Environmental Correlates of Team Cohesion
Group Size:
Inverse relationship between group size and cohesion: smaller groups tend to have higher cohesion.
Specific Sport Setting:
Factors like the type of sport setting can impact cohesion levels.
Level of Competition:
As competition level rises, cohesion may decrease.
Normative Forces:
Responsibilities and organization
Leadership Correlates of Team Cohesion
Leader’s Behaviour
Leaders showcasing behaviours related to the following had associations with greater team cohesion:
Training and Instruction: Skill instruction, techniques and tactics; clarifying relationships among team members; and structuring and coordinating team member activities
Social Support: Concern for welfare of individual athletes, fostering a positive group atmosphere, and warm relationships
Positive Feedback: Reinforcing an athlete by recognizing and rewarding strong performance and effort
