Group Cohesion & Group and Team Dynamics

Question 1

Why Study Groups?

Answer 1

Almost any position in the sport and exercise
field requires understanding of the processes
and dynamics of groups

Question 2

What Is a Group?

Answer 2

Two or more people who interact
and exert mutual influence on each other
and share the following characteristics:
◦ A collective sense of identity
◦ Distinctive roles
◦ Structured modes of communication
◦ Group norms

Question 3

Collective sense of identity

Answer 3

“we-ness” rather than “I-ness”

Question 4

Distinctive roles

Answer 4

All members know their job

Question 5

Structured modes of communication

Answer 5

Lines of communication

Question 6

Norms

Answer 6

Social rules that guide members on what to do and not do

Question 7

The Linear Perspective

Answer 7

Forming
Storming
Norming
Performing

Question 8

Forming

Answer 8

Familiarisation, formation of interpersonal relationships,

development of team structure

Question 9

Storming

Answer 9

Rebellion, resistance to the leader and to control by the

group, interpersonal conflict

Question 10

Norming

Answer 10

Development of solidarity and cooperation; group conflicts resolved

Question 11

Performing

Answer 11

Channeling of energies for team success

Question 12

The Cyclical (Life Cycle) Perspective

Answer 12

Development of groups is similar to the life cycle—birth,
growth, and death.
Emphasis is on the terminal phase of the group’s existence.
As the group develops, it psychologically prepares for its own breakup.
This model is especially relevant for groups and teams that last 10 to 15 weeks.

Question 13

The Pendular Perspective

Answer 13

Shifts occur in interpersonal relationships during the growth and development of groups.
Groups do not progress through linear phases.
Stages of group development
◦ Orientation
◦ Differentiation and conflict
◦ Resolution and cohesion
◦ Differentiation and conflict
◦ Termination

Question 14

Group roles

Answer 14

Involve behaviors required or expected of a person

occupying a certain position.

Question 15

Formal roles

Answer 15

(e.g., coach, instructor, captain) are dictated by the

nature and structure of the organisation.

Question 16

Informal roles

Answer 16

(e.g., enforcer, mentor) evolve from the group’s

dynamics or interactions among group members.

Question 17

Role conflict

Answer 17

Exists when role occupant does not have sufficient ability, motivation, time, or understanding to achieve the goal.

Question 18

Group norms

Answer 18

◦ A norm is a level of performance, pattern of behavior, or belief.
◦ Leaders need to establish positive group norms or standards (especially
standards or norms of productivity).
◦ Positive norms are important to establish

Question 19

Social support

Answer 19

Mutual respect and support enhance team climate.

Question 20

Proximity

Answer 20

Closer contact between members promotes team

interaction.

Question 21

Distinctiveness

Answer 21

The more distinctive the group feels, the better

the climate.

Question 22

The functions of social support

Answer 22

• Provides appraisal, information, reassurance, and companionship
• Reduces uncertainty during times of stress
• Aids in mental and physical recovery
• Improves communication

Question 23

Seven Types of Social Support

Answer 23

• Listening support
• Emotional support
• Emotional-challenge support
• Reality-confirmation support
• Task-appreciation support
• Task-challenge support
• Personal-assistance support

Question 24

Steiner’s model

Answer 24

◦ Actual productivity = potential productivity − losses due to faulty group processes.
◦ Losses result from motivation and coordination

Question 25

How Individual Skills Relate to Group Performance

Answer 25

The greater the need for cooperation and interaction in a task, the more the importance of individual ability decreases and the importance of group productivity increases.

Question 26

Ringelmann effect

Answer 26

The phenomenon by which individual performance decreases as the number of people in the group increases

Question 27

Social loafing

Answer 27

When individuals within a group or team put forth less than 100% effort due to loss of motivation

Question 28

Conditions That Increase Social Loafing

Answer 28

* An individual’s output cannot be independently evaluated. * The task is perceived to be low in meaningfulness. * An individual’s personal involvement in the task is low. * A comparison against group standards is not possible. * Other individuals contributing to the collective effort are strangers. * Teammates or coworkers are seen as high in ability. * Individual team members perceive their contribution to the outcome as redundant. * The individual is competing against what he or she believes to be a weaker opponent.

Question 29

The desire for group success

Answer 29

A team-oriented motive or goal, the basis of which is the team members’ desire to derive pride and satisfaction from the team if it is successful in accomplishing its goals

Question 30

Facilitate smooth transitions for teams

Answer 30

◦ Clarify role differentiation. ◦ Increase individual awareness of disengagement. ◦ Facilitate group interaction. ◦ Negotiate closure and new group development.

Question 31

Cohesion

Answer 31

A dynamic process reflected in the tendency for a group to stick together and remain united in the pursuit of its instrumental objectives and/or for the satisfaction of member affective needs

Question 32

Task cohesion

Answer 32

The degree to which group members work together to achieve common goals and objectives

Question 33

Social cohesion

Answer 33

The interpersonal attractions among group members

Question 34

Measuring Cohesion

Answer 34

Questionnaires Group integration —task subscale Group integration —social subscale Individual attraction to group —task subscale Individual attraction to group- social subscale

Question 35

Group integration —task subscale

Answer 35

Our team is united in trying to reach its goals for performance

Question 36

Group integration —social subscale

Answer 36

Members of our team do not stick together outside of practicing and games

Question 37

Individual attraction to group —task subscale

Answer 37

I don’t like the style of play on this team

Question 38

Individual attraction to group- social subscale

Answer 38

Some of my best friends are on the team

Question 39

The Cohesion–Performance Relationship

Answer 39

Cohesion is positively related to performance. The relationship was traditionally thought to depend on several factors. Recent research has shown which of these factors do influence the cohesion– performance relationship

Question 40

Circular relationship

Answer 40

Increased cohesion leads to greater performance and brings teams together, which leads to still more cohesion.

Question 41

Team satisfaction

Answer 41

Increased cohesion is related to increased satisfaction.

Question 42

Conformity

Answer 42

The more cohesive a group is, the greater its pressure to conform to the attitudes and behaviors of the group.

Question 43

Adherence

Answer 43

More cohesive exercise classes have better attendance, are more likely to arrive on time, are less likely to drop out, are more resistant to disruption, are more likely to experience positive affect related to exercise, and have stronger efficacy for exercise

Question 44

Social support

Answer 44

There is a positive relationship between the social support an individual receives and that person’s evaluation of group cohesion.

Question 45

Stability

Answer 45

Teams higher in cohesion can better resist disruption; teams staying together longer tend to be more cohesive

Question 46

Gender

Answer 46

Relationship between cohesion and performance is stronger for women than for men.

Question 47

Building Cohesion

Answer 47

Exercise settings Exercise classes with high feelings of group cohesion have fewer dropouts and late arrivals than do classes low in cohesion Sport settings Team-building exercises, clear and meaningful roles, team goals, communication, and personal sacrifice are related to increased cohesion.

Question 48

Leader strategies

Answer 48

``` • Communicate effectively. • Explain individual roles in team success. • Develop pride within subunits. • Set challenging team goals. • Encourage group identity. • Avoid formation of social cliques. • Avoid formation of social cliques. • Employ transformational leadership • Avoid excessive turnover. • Conduct periodic team meetings. • Enhance team efficacy • Get to know others; enhance personal disclosure ```

Question 49

Group member strategies

Answer 49

* Get to know members of the group. * Help group members whenever possible. * Give group members positive reinforcement. * Be responsible. * Communicate honestly and openly with coach or leader. * Give 100% effort at all times.