Group cohesion

Group cohesion is what is usually chosen to consider the patterns of development of small groups represented by a combination of group processes of integration and differentiation. Often, instead of this term, another is used - "unity of the group". Group cohesion is a term used to describe the special socio-psychological characteristics of groups. These include the unity of the group members, the degree of psychological community, the stability, as well as the tightness of interpersonal interaction and relationships, the degree of emotional attractiveness of the group itself for its individual members.

L. Festinger is the person who first carried out empirical studies of such a phenomenon as group cohesion. It was defined by him as the result of the action of absolutely all forces capable of influencing the members of the group in order to keep them. What forces are these? It is about the usefulness of the group for the individual and her ability to satisfy his needs, her attractiveness to him.

The social cohesion of a group can be determined by analyzing the stability and frequency of immediate interpersonal contacts that are constantly present in it. The easiest way to do this is by studying the communicative interactions of group members with each other.

In empirical studies of such a phenomenon as group cohesion, the main method is precisely the emotional assessment of the group, made directly by its participants. Everything again is based on satisfaction and attractiveness.

In the sociometric direction, there is a somewhat different methodological approach used to assess group cohesion. Her level in this case is associated with nothing else than with the level of mutual emotional attractiveness of all members of the group. It can be determined by mutual positive elections, as well as by positive evaluations of the group's participants.

Today it is precisely known that the integration of the group members is primarily carried out at the time of the joint activity.

Joint labor activity is a phenomenon, studied by numerous psychologists. It was established that the group can act as an independent subject of labor activity. In this case, the parameters capable of characterizing the integrity of a group include the type of integrity of the collective subject, the level of functional interconnection.

Group cohesion can manifest itself at the most unexpected moment or not manifest at all. It is important that the slightest response of one individual is followed by the response of the other. Overall success, just like a common failure, can be a factor in bringing people together. Incredibly high results will be obtained if each member can be persuaded to believe in a single goal. The desire to reach it will force people to become closer to each other.