2.1. During the group’s life span, members develop a sense of friendship and trust which leads to high group cohesion; hence, some members might become depressed during the adjourning stage.2.1.1. State the five factors that contribute to the establishment of trust in relationships. (5)2.1.2. Identify the factors that influence the cohesiveness of a group and describe by means of examples the factors that are applicable to your group. (10)
2.1.1. The five factors that contribute to the establishment of trust in relationships are:
1. Reliability: Demonstrating consistency and reliability in one's actions and behaviors builds trust. When people can depend on others to follow through on commitments and promises, trust is established.
2. Competence: When individuals perceive others as competent and capable in their roles, trust is cultivated. This involves having the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to fulfill responsibilities successfully.
3. Integrity: Acting with integrity and displaying honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior contributes to trust. People trust those who consistently demonstrate moral principles and are trustworthy individuals.
4. Mutual respect: Respecting others' opinions, ideas, and beliefs fosters trust. When individuals feel heard, valued, and respected, it creates a foundation for trust to develop.
5. Open communication: Engaging in open and honest communication promotes trust. Effectively sharing information, listening actively, and being transparent in communication processes enhances trust in a relationship.
2.1.2. The factors that influence the cohesiveness of a group can vary, depending on various factors such as the group's purpose, members' personalities, and the dynamics within the group. Some factors that generally contribute to group cohesion include:
1. Common goals: When group members share common objectives and work towards a shared purpose, it fosters a sense of unity and cohesion. For example, in a project team, all members working towards achieving the same outcome can enhance group cohesiveness.
2. Group identity: Developing a collective identity and a sense of belonging within the group increases cohesion. This can be achieved through shared values, norms, and identity markers. For instance, in a sports team, having team uniforms and traditions can strengthen group cohesion.
3. Interdependence: When group members rely on each other to achieve mutual goals, it enhances cohesiveness. Interdependence creates a sense of accountability and reliance, contributing to stronger group bonds. An example could be a music band where each member's contribution is crucial to the overall performance.
4. Positive group dynamics: Positive interactions among group members, such as support, encouragement, and camaraderie, contribute to group cohesion. For example, a study group where members provide help and encouragement to each other fosters a cohesive environment.
5. Effective leadership: Strong and effective leadership plays a critical role in group cohesiveness. A leader who fosters trust, facilitates communication, and manages conflicts positively can enhance group cohesion. An example can be a supervisor who actively listens to employees' concerns, provides guidance, and builds a sense of camaraderie within the team.
2.1.1. The five factors that contribute to the establishment of trust in relationships are:
1. Open Communication: Effective communication is key in building trust. Clear and honest communication helps establish transparency and understanding between group members.
2. Reliability and Dependability: Consistently demonstrating reliability and dependability builds trust. When group members can rely on one another to fulfill commitments and follow through on tasks, trust is formed.
3. Mutual Respect: Respecting the opinions, ideas, and boundaries of others creates an environment of trust. When group members feel valued and respected, trust can flourish.
4. Consistency: Consistently behaving in a trustworthy manner over time is crucial in establishing trust. When group members can predict each other's behavior and actions, trust is fostered.
5. Empathy and Understanding: Showing empathy and understanding towards others' feelings and experiences helps build trust. When group members feel heard and understood, trust is strengthened.
2.1.2. The factors that influence the cohesiveness of a group include:
1. Common Goals: When group members share a common purpose or goal, it fosters group cohesiveness. For example, in a sports team, the goal of winning games brings the members together.
2. Interdependence: When group members rely on each other to achieve a desired outcome, cohesiveness is enhanced. For instance, in a work project, the team's success depends on the collaboration of all members.
3. Group Identity: The shared identity and sense of belonging to a group contribute to its cohesiveness. For example, in a club or organization, members who identify strongly with the group are more likely to feel connected.
4. Leadership: Effective leadership plays a significant role in influencing group cohesiveness. A leader who fosters open communication, encourages teamwork, and values each member's contribution can strengthen cohesion.
5. Group Size: The size of the group can impact cohesion. Smaller groups tend to have higher cohesiveness as members can develop stronger relationships and better understand each other.
For example, let's consider a student study group. The factors applicable to this group could be:
1. Common Goals: The study group shares the goal of improving academic performance and supporting each other in their studies.
2. Interdependence: Each member relies on others for exchange of study materials, clarifying doubts, and discussing concepts.
3. Group Identity: The members of the study group may consider themselves part of a cohesive unit that helps each other succeed academically.
4. Leadership: A group leader may be responsible for organizing group meetings, assigning tasks, and keeping the group focused and motivated.
5. Group Size: A study group with a smaller number of members, such as 4-6 students, may have higher cohesiveness as they can develop stronger bonds and easily communicate with each other.
To answer 2.1.1, let's identify the five factors that contribute to the establishment of trust in relationships.
1. Communication: Effective and open communication is essential for building trust in a relationship. This includes active listening, expressing oneself clearly, and being responsive to others' needs and concerns.
2. Reliability: Being reliable and consistent in one's actions and commitments helps to establish trust. When someone consistently follows through on their promises and obligations, it creates a sense of dependability and trustworthiness.
3. Honesty: Trust is reinforced when individuals are honest with each other. This involves being truthful, transparent, and avoiding deception or hiding information. Honest communication promotes trust and credibility within relationships.
4. Empathy: Demonstrating empathy involves understanding and sharing others' emotions and experiences. Showing empathy helps to build trust by creating a sense of connection and understanding between individuals.
5. Competence: Demonstrating competence and expertise in a particular area builds trust. When someone is skilled and knowledgeable in their field, it instills confidence and trust in their abilities.
Now, let's move on to 2.1.2, which asks to identify the factors that influence the cohesiveness of a group and provide examples applicable to your group.
Factors that influence group cohesiveness can vary, but some common examples include:
1. Shared Goals: When a group has a common purpose or objective, it helps to unify members and promote cohesiveness. For example, a sports team working towards winning a championship shares a common goal that fosters commitment and unity among members.
2. Communication: Effective and open communication within a group promotes understanding, collaboration, and a sense of togetherness. For instance, regular team meetings and discussions allow members to exchange ideas and address any concerns, thereby enhancing group cohesiveness.
3. Positive Relationships: Building positive relationships among group members creates a supportive and trusting environment, increasing cohesiveness. For example, bonding activities, like team-building exercises, foster camaraderie and encourage interpersonal connections.
4. Shared Values: When group members share similar values and beliefs, it enhances cohesiveness as they align with and understand each other better. For instance, a group advocating for a specific cause may be more cohesive if all members are united by a shared belief in the cause.
5. Leadership: Effective leadership plays a crucial role in promoting group cohesiveness. A leader who can inspire, motivate, and guide their team fosters a sense of unity and cohesion. For example, a leader who listens to their team's input and provides clear direction helps the group feel connected and engaged.
These factors interact and influence each other, contributing to the overall cohesiveness of a group. However, keep in mind that the specific factors applicable to your group may vary depending on its nature, goals, and dynamics.