SBenegaL

Category: Group Cohesion

  • Group Cohesion

    In the last byte, we looked at the purpose, mission and behavioral norms that are characteristics of a mature group. In today’s byte, we look at group cohesion.

    Group cohesion refers to the interpersonal attraction that keeps the group members together. It is like the glue that keeps the group members under control and adhering to the group norms and standards. While cohesion keeps the group together, its binding strength decreases when there are unpleasant experiences, or domination of a sub-group etc. As the cohesiveness of the group decreases, so does the effectiveness of control amongst the group members.

    Group cohesiveness is found to create a calming effect on the group members when it comes to work anxiety or tension. Given that there is a strong bond amongst the group members and everyone can rely on the other for support, the productivity of such a group is found to be more consistent. It is found that the members generally are more satisfied, committed and communicate well in highly cohesive groups.

    There are number of factors that influence group cohesion – some of these are: time, size, prestige of the being in the group, external pressures, internal competition etc.

  • Group Cohesion and Social Loafing

    In the last byte, we looked at Norms of Behavior in a group setting. In today’s byte we look at Group Cohesion and Social Loafing aspects.

    Groups’ tasks in some cases create an identity – the bondage amongst the group members. In many cases, group cohesion can enhance job satisfaction as there are people in the group who appreciate the work each one of the member does – also this increases organization productivity. Groups with high cohesion are able to control and manage their membership better than those with lower cohesion. We shall get back to the discussion on cohesion when we deal with well-developed groups later in the series.

    Social Loafing – also called “free riding” could occur when one or more group members rely on the efforts of theirs in the group and fail to contribute their own time, effort etc into the group activities. Such behavior could create a heavy baggage that the group tries to drag along and could limit its achievements. 

    One of the sources of such free-riding is due to the design of the task itself and its associated incentives – if the individual efforts are not detectible in the action of the group, it could encourage such behavior!