Group Cohesion
Updated 2026-08-01
INTRODUCTION
English translation pending.
CORE DEFINITION
A central construct in group dynamics research. Cohesion has at least two components: task cohesion, the shared commitment to the group's goals, and social cohesion, the interpersonal attraction among members. Cohesion predicts member satisfaction, retention, and stability, but its relationship to performance depends on whether the group's norms favor productivity. Highly cohesive groups that also suppress dissent are vulnerable to groupthink.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Diagnose a team: separate commitment to the goal from liking each other, since the two need different fixes - Build task cohesion: create shared goals and visible progress rather than relying on social activities - Protect dissent: keep a channel for disagreement so cohesion does not harden into groupthink
Anchor fast decisions
Cohesion raises the cost of leaving and the value of contributing, which increases effort and reduces turnover. It also increases conformity to whatever norms the group already holds, which is why cohesion amplifies performance only when the norms favor it. Where norms discourage dissent, the same conformity suppresses the information the group needs to correct itself.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Group_cohesivenessverified
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