Cohesion and Development
- 1. Running head: TASK COHESION AND GROUP MOTIVATION 1 Task Cohesion and Group Motivation Erin N. Bosman University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire
- 2. TASK COHESION AND GROUP MOTIVATION 2 Task Cohesion and Group Motivation In order for a group to achieve task cohesion, they must have group- level motivation. Task cohesion is the dedication shared by the individuals comprising a group to complete a goal that requires the effort of the whole group. In order for a group to remain cohesive and on task, they must have group- oriented motivation rather than personal motivation (Forsyth, 2014, pg.137). They must focus on wanting all group members to be successful rather than focusing on only themself, and their own success. Working as a unit allows groups to stay focused on their task and be successful through having a correlated motivation between all members. Task oriented groups can include academic groups, athletic teams, and work groups. There are many studies focusing on the concepts of motivation and cohesion, and how the two concepts correlate together. I looked over a study relating group motivation and task cohesion when looking at female students in physical activity courses. "Results of the study indicated that group cohesion constructs had a significant relationship with female students’ motivation and motivational outcomes in college organized physical activity classes. This research demonstrates that incorporating motivational constructs from different perspectives can provide unique insights in the research area of female student motivation and physical activity" (Xiangli, Solomon, Tao, & Ping, 2011). This study emphasized the importance of group motivation and task cohesion among academic groups and task- oriented groups. After viewing this study, I began to look at my social problem research project group through a new perspective of focusing on the goals of the group as a whole. At first, I was primarily motivated by my goal to
- 3. TASK COHESION AND GROUP MOTIVATION 3 complete service learning. However, the rest of my group does not need service learning hours and is motivated primarily by their grade in the class and the goal to help a community partner. We also all had different ideas for the project, but can combine these motivations and ideas to one project that will help benefit our community partner eye- to eye. Group motivation is essential to task cohesion. We need to work as a unit, rather than as individuals seeking personal goals (Forsyth, 2014, pg.137).
- 4. TASK COHESION AND GROUP MOTIVATION 4 References Forsyth, D. (2014). Cohesion and development. In Group dynamics (6th ed.). Belmont, California: Wadsworth. Klassen, R. M., & Krawchuk, L. L. (2009). Collective motivation beliefs of early adolescents working in small groups. Journal Of School Psychology, 47(2), 101- 120. doi:10.1016/j.jsp.2008.11.002 XIANGLI, G., SOLMON, M. A., TAO, Z., & PING, X. (2011). Group Cohesion, Achievement Motivation, and Motivational Outcomes among Female College Students. Journal Of Applied Sport Psychology, 23(2), 175-188. doi:10.1080/10413200.2010.548847