Lecture 11 Groups and Cohesion Flashcards
group dynamics
field of study that focuses on gaining knowledge about nature of groups and their development
groupness
degree to which a collection of individuals is considered a “real” group (from unconnected persons in one place to an interdependent group)
4 general operational measures of cohesion
1.Interpersonal attraction among group members
Attraction to the group
Level of commitment to the group
Degree of similarity to other group members
cohesion
A dynamic process that is reflected in the tendency for a group to stick together and remain united in pursuit of its instrumental objectives and/or for the satisfaction of member affective needs (emotions)
4 characteristics of cohesion
- Dynamic, not static
- Factors that hold groups together are varied & numerous
- Instrumental in nature – all groups form for a reason
- Affective reasons – strong emotional ties among group members
Individual aspects in group cohesion
beliefs group members hold about personal benefits
group aspects in group cohesion
beliefs members hold about the group as a collective
Task cohesion
orientation towards achieving groups objectives
social cohesion
orientation towards developing and maintaining social relationships within group
correlate
an association has been found
group size and cohesiveness
cohesiveness decreases as group size increases
what are self handicapping strategies used for
used to protect self esteem
social loafing
reduction in individual effort when individuals work collectively compared to when they work alone
True or False. Cohesion and success are positively correlated and cohesion causes success
False. they are positively correlated but cohesion does not necessarily cause success
true or false:Cohesion widely researched and has a huge impact on groups
true
