2.1.2) Use the following factors that influence the cohesiveness of a group and describe by means of
examples the factors that are applicable to a group of people working together on an assignment. – Time spent together
– Severity of initiation into the group
– Group size
– Gender
– External threats
– Previous successes
Time spent together: The more time a group of people spend together working on an assignment, the more cohesive they are likely to become. This is because spending more time together allows for increased familiarity, understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses, and the development of shared norms and values. For example, a group of employees who spend several hours each day collaborating on a project are more likely to develop a strong bond and work together effectively compared to a group of employees who only meet occasionally.
Severity of initiation into the group: The severity of initiation into a group can also influence its cohesiveness. When group members go through a challenging or demanding initiation process, such as completing a difficult task or facing a high level of scrutiny, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and commitment to the group. For instance, a group of new employees who go through an intensive training program together are likely to form a cohesive unit as they have overcome a shared challenge.
Group size: The size of a group can also impact its cohesiveness. Generally, smaller groups tend to be more cohesive than larger groups because members have more opportunities to interact and collaborate with each other. In a smaller group working on an assignment, members can develop personal relationships, understand each other's strengths and weaknesses better, and coordinate their efforts more easily. A group of five employees working on a project will likely have stronger cohesion compared to a group of fifty employees.
Gender: Gender can also play a role in group cohesion, although its influence may vary depending on specific contexts and cultures. Research suggests that groups with a balanced mix of both genders tend to be more cohesive compared to groups that are predominantly single-gender. This is because diverse perspectives and experiences from both genders can contribute to better problem-solving and decision-making. For example, a group of engineers working on an assignment may benefit from having both male and female team members who bring different perspectives to the table.
External threats: The presence of external threats can also increase group cohesiveness. When a group faces a common threat or challenge from an external source, members are more likely to come together and support each other. This is because the shared goal of overcoming the threat or challenge creates a sense of solidarity and unity. For instance, a group of employees working in a company facing a potential takeover by a competitor may form a cohesive bond as they work together to protect their jobs and the company's interests.
Previous successes: Previous successes can also contribute to group cohesiveness. When a group has achieved positive outcomes together in the past, members develop a sense of confidence and trust in each other's capabilities, leading to increased cohesion. For example, a group of students who have consistently performed well in previous group projects are likely to have a strong bond and work cohesively in future assignments as they know each other's strengths and can rely on each other's skills.
To determine the factors that influence the cohesiveness of a group working together on an assignment, we need to analyze how each factor can affect the dynamics of the group. By understanding these factors and their impact, we can identify the most applicable ones to a group of people working together on an assignment.
1. Time spent together: The amount of time that group members spend together can significantly impact cohesiveness. The more time they spend together, the more they are likely to develop strong interpersonal relationships and bond as a group. For example, a group of employees who work closely on a project and spend long hours collaborating in the same workplace tend to form stronger bonds and demonstrate higher cohesiveness compared to a group that rarely interacts.
2. Severity of initiation into the group: When the initiation process into a group entails challenging and demanding tasks, it can contribute to higher cohesiveness. The shared experience of overcoming difficult initiations fosters a sense of camaraderie and strengthens bonds within the group. For instance, a team of soldiers who have undergone rigorous training together tends to exhibit higher cohesiveness due to the challenging initiation process they went through.
3. Group size: The size of the group can influence cohesiveness. Smaller groups often find it easier to establish connections and maintain a higher level of cohesion. In contrast, larger groups might experience challenges in building close relationships and maintaining strong bonds. For example, a small team of five people working on an assignment is more likely to have a higher level of cohesiveness compared to a larger team of 20 people.
4. Gender: Gender can have an impact on group cohesiveness, although it varies depending on the context and individuals involved. Sometimes groups consisting of only one gender may have higher cohesiveness since members might find it easier to relate to each other based on shared experiences and similarities. However, mixed-gender groups can also foster strong bonds if members value diversity and create an inclusive environment.
5. External threats: When a group is faced with external threats or challenges, it often leads to increased cohesiveness as members unite to overcome the obstacles. For example, a team working on a project with tight deadlines or competing against other teams may become more cohesive due to the shared goal of success and the external pressure they face.
6. Previous successes: Groups that have achieved previous successes together are likely to have higher cohesiveness. Past accomplishments create a sense of shared identity, build confidence, and strengthen the bond between group members. For instance, a sports team that has won several championships together is likely to exhibit strong cohesiveness due to their collective achievements.
By considering these factors - time spent together, severity of initiation, group size, gender, external threats, and previous successes - we can understand how they contribute to the cohesiveness of a group working together on an assignment. Analyzing the specific circumstances and dynamics of a particular group can help identify which factors are most applicable and influential in their context.
Factors that influence the cohesiveness of a group working together on an assignment include:
1. Time spent together: The amount of time group members spend together can influence cohesiveness. In the context of a group working on an assignment, spending more time together allows members to develop stronger relationships and bonds. For example, if a group meets regularly for brainstorming sessions, discussing ideas, and working on the assignment, they are likely to become more cohesive.
2. Severity of initiation into the group: The level of difficulty or challenge faced during the initiation process can impact group cohesiveness. When group members have overcome a shared initiation experience, it can create a sense of unity. For example, if a group of individuals is required to complete a challenging task or pass certain criteria to join a team, they may feel a stronger bond with each other.
3. Group size: The size of a group can affect its cohesiveness. Smaller groups often have a better chance of becoming cohesive as it is easier for members to communicate, coordinate, and build relationships. Larger groups, on the other hand, may find it more challenging to maintain cohesiveness due to a higher number of opinions and perspectives. For example, a small group of 3-4 people working together on an assignment may find it easier to collaborate and stay cohesive compared to a group of 15 people.
4. Gender: Gender can have an impact on group cohesiveness, although the extent may vary depending on the context and individuals involved. In some cases, individuals of the same gender may naturally bond more easily due to shared experiences or communication styles. For example, a group of female engineers working on a technical project may feel more cohesive as they can relate to similar challenges faced in a male-dominated industry.
5. External threats: The presence of external threats or challenges can strengthen group cohesiveness. When a group of people faces a common challenge or obstacle, they often unite and work together more closely. For example, if a group is working on a project with a strict deadline or facing competition from other teams, they may feel a sense of urgency and work collaboratively to overcome the challenge.
6. Previous successes: The group's history of previous successes can positively impact its cohesiveness. A group that has achieved previous accomplishments together tends to have a higher level of trust and unity. For example, if a team has previously worked on successful projects and received recognition or rewards, they may have a stronger bond and be more cohesive when working on new assignments.
These factors interact in complex ways, and their influence on group cohesiveness may vary depending on the specific context and dynamics of the group.