Group Cohesion

Cohesion is the “glue” that binds a group of people together. It represents the unity of a group and shows the strength of the bond between group members. This is a direct reflection of the efforts that are coordinated to achieve a goal. Many factors can affect the success of group cohesion such as group size, stability, and success; however a level of group cohesion can still be achieved if the members have a willingness to work together towards the same goal. There is very little commonality between the cohesion that exists and looking at each factor, the individual might identify keys to group cohesion success. On a successful team the capabilities of the members to work together on future projects is sustainable and stronger.
In today’s workforce being able to work within the confinement of a team atmosphere is a reality. Many employers believe that collectively working together to achieve the same goal. If you are able to achieve this it is known as “Synergy” or the power of teamwork when the group is greater than the sum of its parts. Although this doesn’t always occur in teams it can be contributed to the amount of members on the team. Depending on the task that is given to a team they will need to determine the number of members that will make up the team. When looking at the sum of the size of the team, psychologist Max Ringleman set up a tug-o-war to learn the estimated amount of power is created (Larsen). One theory states that people actually put in less effort when they think others will take up the slack (Larsen). Another explanation involves so-ordination errors that can be a contributor to the size of the group in generating power. The more people involved, the more likely why are to get in each other’...

... middle of paper ...

...." The Fine Points of Cohesion. Management Resources, n.d. Web. 11 Feb. 2014.
Lerner, Matthew D., Bryce D. McLeod, and Amori Y. Mikami. "Preliminary Evaluation Of An Observational Measure Of Group Cohesion For Group Psychotherapy." Journal Of Clinical Psychology 69.3 (2013): 191-208. Academic Search Premier. Web. 12 Feb. 2014.
Miles, Philip, Wilmar Schaufeli, and Kees Bos. "When Weak Groups Are Strong: How Low Cohesion Groups Allow Individuals To Act According To Their Personal Absence Tolerance Norms." Social Justice Research 24.3 (2011): 207-230. Academic Search Premier. Web. 12 Feb. 2014.
Roberts, Michael E., and Robert L. Goldstone. "Adaptive Group Coordination And Role Differentiation." Plos ONE 6.7 (2011): 1-8. Academic Search Premier. Web. 12 Feb. 2014.
Thompson, Leigh L. “Making the Team” A Guide for Managers. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc, 2011. Print.