Volume 11, Number 2, January 2016
Revision
Cohesion
Symond Burrows
Cohesion can be defined as the forces acting in a group to keep the group members within the group
and on task. It is the desire of the group members to achieve their set goals. There are two types of
cohesion:
 Task cohesion — achievement and success driven. Working to reach a target.
 Social cohesion — integration and interaction with other group members based on interpersonal
attraction.
Are cohesive groups always successful?
What is the relationship between task cohesion, social cohesion and success? Some people argue
that being cohesive brings success, others argue that success produces cohesion. Without doubt the
most successful teams show both task and social cohesion. Social cohesion helps with interaction, but
is not enough to produce results on its own. Task cohesion is stronger and is enough to produce
success without social cohesion — some players may not socialise together but they will still work
hard for the team cause.
It should be noted that there are other influences on cohesion besides the task and social forces
acting within the group. For example, the attitudes and anxiety levels of the players may influence
group success.
Carron’s antecedents
Some psychologists argue that cohesion develops when a team becomes successful. Others argue
that cohesion promotes success. Either way there are influences on the group that promote
cohesiveness. Carron argues that there are four main pre-existing factors that can help to develop
cohesion. They are:
 environmental factors — size of group
 personal factors — similarity of group members
 leadership factors — leadership style
 team factors — team success
Philip Allan Publishers © 2016
www.hoddereducation.co.uk/pereview
A model of Carron’s antecedents
The following diagram shows a model of Carron’s antecedents and how they affect cohesion.
Environmental factors
Group size, age, geography
Contractual obligations
Personal factors
Leadership factors
Similarity of group members
Leader style
Acceptance of roles
Leaders–team relationship
Satisfaction/aspirations
Fitness
Team factors
Desire for success
Team stability/status
Team ability
Group productivity
Shared experiences
Threats to the team
Task and social cohesion
Group outcomes
Individual outcomes
Performance effectiveness
Behaviour
Relative performance effectiveness
Performance effectiveness
Relative performance effectiveness
Personal satisfaction
Philip Allan Publishers © 2016
www.hoddereducation.co.uk/pereview
Other influences on cohesion
Size and structure of the group
The larger the group the better chance of greater productivity, but with a large group there is more
chance of social loafing and the Ringelmann effect. Motivation may be reduced in a larger group. A
mix of age and gender may reduce cohesion and the desire to reach common goals. When the group
gets too large, a subdivision or clique can form.
The type of sport
More cohesion is required with team games and interactive sports than is needed for co-active (a pair)
sports, which in turn require more cohesion than individual sports.
Philip Allan Publishers © 2016
www.hoddereducation.co.uk/pereview