Chapter 5: Cohesion and Development -
Comprehensive Review Notes
Emotional Cohesion – The intensity of
shared group-based emotions.
1. Understanding Group Cohesion
o Groups with strong emotional connections
Cohesion refers to the degree to which members of
(e.g., military units, fraternities) often
a group are attracted to the group and motivated
display greater loyalty and sacrifice.
to remain part of it. It is crucial for a group's
o Collective emotions (e.g., pride, morale,
stability, performance, and member satisfaction.
passion) drive commitment. (Filipinos when
Cohesion is a multifaceted construct, involving both
candidates win in miss universe or
emotional and task-oriented connections among
pacquiao)
members.
Groups with high cohesion tend to be more
successful, but extreme cohesion can lead to Structural Cohesion – The stability and
groupthink and conformity pressures. clarity of group roles, norms, and hierarchy.
Key Questions Explored in the Chapter:
o What are the sources of group cohesion? o Groups with well-defined roles and
o How does cohesion develop over time? expectations tend to be more stable.
o What are the benefits and drawbacks of o Leadership, social roles, and norms
cohesion? reinforce cohesion by providing structure.
o How do initiation rituals and hazing affect (FAMILIES)
group cohesion?
Environmental Factors – External threats
and competition increase cohesion.
2. Sources of Cohesion o The presence of a rival (e.g., sports teams,
political parties) can unify members.
Cohesion is shaped by multiple interrelated o Physical proximity and frequent
factors, each contributing to the strength and unity interactions also enhance cohesion.
of the group:
(WAR OR COMPETITION)
Social Cohesion – Interpersonal attraction
between group members.
o People tend to stay in groups where they 3. Development of Cohesion
like and trust their peers.
o Similarity in personality, attitudes, and Cohesion is not static; it develops over time
shared experiences enhances social through various stages. Several models explain this
cohesion. (cast of FRIENDS)) progression:
Task Cohesion – A shared commitment to A. Tuckman’s Five-Stage Model of Group Development
achieving the group’s objectives. (1965)
o More common in work teams, athletic 1. Forming – Members get acquainted; uncertainty is
teams, and study groups. high.
o High task cohesion leads to better
coordination and productivity. (Basketball o People assess each other, look for
team) leadership, and establish norms.
Collective Cohesion – A sense of shared 2. Storming – Conflicts emerge as members compete
identity and belonging. for status and clarify roles.
o The strength of group membership as part o Subgroups may form; tensions arise over
of one’s self-concept. goals and decision-making.
o Often associated with strong cultural,
organizational, or national identity. (We 3. Norming – The group establishes norms,
are MM) strengthens cohesion, and fosters trust.
o A sense of unity forms, and cooperation Example: NASA's Challenger disaster (1986) involved
increases. groupthink errors.
❌ Reduced Performance in Socially Cohesive but
4. Performing – Members focus on achieving group Low Task-Oriented Groups – Some socially bonded
objectives efficiently. groups prioritize relationships over goals.
❌ Emotional Burden – Members feel obligated to
stay in the group even when they want to leave.
o High productivity, creativity, and
adaptability characterize this phase.
5. Adjourning – The group disbands after completing
its goals.
5. Initiations and Cohesion
o Members reflect on experiences; some One debated aspect of cohesion is whether group
groups maintain social bonds. initiations and hazing strengthen group bonds.
B. Cyclical and Nonlinear Models of Cohesion A. Do Initiations Increase Cohesion?
Not all groups follow a linear development path. Cognitive Dissonance Theory (Festinger, 1957):
Some experience fluctuations in cohesion.
The Punctuated Equilibrium Model (Gersick, 1988) o When people endure hardship, they justify
suggests that groups remain stagnant until a crisis their effort by valuing the group more.
or deadline forces sudden change. o Example: Aronson & Mills (1959) found
that severe initiations increased group
commitment.
4. Consequences of Cohesion B. The Role of Hazing
Cohesion affects group satisfaction, performance, Hazing involves extreme, often harmful initiation
rituals.
and decision-making in both positive and negative Justifications:
ways.
o Builds loyalty and commitment.
A. Positive Effects of Cohesion o Increases shared struggle and bonding.
✅ Increased Member Satisfaction – Members of Scientific Criticism of Hazing:
cohesive groups report higher morale,
commitment, and emotional support. o Does not necessarily increase long-term
✅ Greater Conformity to Group Norms – Leads to cohesion.
o More likely to create resentment, anxiety,
order and stability within the group.
or trauma.
✅ Higher Group Influence – Stronger cohesion o Can foster toxic hierarchies and power
enhances persuasion and cooperation. abuse.
✅ Enhanced Productivity and Performance –
Groups with high task cohesion outperform less Alternatives to Hazing:
cohesive ones.
o Team-building exercises, shared
Example: Sports teams with strong cohesion win challenges, and voluntary bonding activities
more games (Carron, 1982). are safer ways to enhance cohesion.
✅ Better Conflict Resolution – Members handle
disagreements more constructively.
B. Negative Effects of Cohesion Final Takeaways
❌ Pressure to Conform – Dissenting opinions may 📌 Cohesion is a dynamic process shaped by
be discouraged, leading to less creativity. interpersonal, structural, and environmental
❌ Groupthink – Overemphasis on unity leads to factors.
poor decision-making (Janis, 1972). 📌 Balanced cohesion enhances satisfaction and
performance, but excessive cohesion can lead to
groupthink and conformity.
📌 Structured initiation processes, rather than
hazing, are more effective in strengthening group
identity.
📌 Highly cohesive groups must manage pressures
to conform to avoid poor decision-making.
