Factors influencing group cohesiveness:
Cohesiveness refers to how much a group is united. It shows the closeness of the group members to each other while working towards the objectives or satisfying their social and emotional needs.
When the cohesiveness is high, the group members respect each other and help each other whenever required.
Several factors can influence group cohesiveness. These are discussed below.
Nature of the group: The Nature of the group is an important factor that affects group cohesiveness. Groups that are heterogeneous are less effective in encouraging their own interests than groups that are homogeneous. Homogeneous groups have members of the same age, education, status, experience, background, etc. These groups are better when cooperation is required to complete the tasks.
Size of the group: A small group is usually more effective. Small groups have closer interpersonal relations than large ones. Face-to-face interaction is easier in small groups it is important to have a better understanding.
Location of the group: Location of the group has a significant role in shaping cohesiveness. Predominantly, remoteness from other groups results in high cohesiveness. Cohesion is harder to achieve when groups are not isolated because a sequence of communication happens, but if groups are isolated from other groups, they will have greater cohesiveness because of regular face-to-face contact.
Communication: When group members interact easily, it can develop more cohesiveness. Such groups can develop their own language and codes for communication and interaction with the group members. If the group members communicate with each other frequently, it will be easy for them to work towards the group’s objectives.
Status of the group: Status of the group is a vital determinant of the degree of group cohesiveness. A group receives greater loyalty if it has a high status that makes the group stronger.
Outside pressures: When a group provides protection to the members from outside pressures or other group pressure, the cohesiveness increases. The group member help each other work together when they face a common danger, even if they forget their personal differences.
Inter-dependency: When the group activities are not interdependent, then the cohesiveness may not develop among the group members. Such a group will have less cohesiveness when the activities are independent than the groups having interdependent activities. Mutual dependency can lead to higher cohesiveness.
Leadership of the group: The Leadership style of a group influences the group cohesiveness to a great extent. A dynamic and energetic leader will motivate the group members to work together for the attainment of group objectives.
Management Behavior: When the group members are being pushed in competition deliberately, the cohesiveness may decrease. It depends on the manager whether he wants to take advantage of the group cohesiveness or not. Positive thinking of management can always work for the better cohesion of the group.