Group Development
The concept of group cohesion involves "a dynamic process that is reflected in the tendency of
the group to stick together and remain united in the pursuit of its goals and objectives"(Colson,
2023, p. 1). To understand the meaning of cohesion within a group setting, we must examine the
traits of the group's members (Colson, 2023)."Cohesion groups possess specific characteristics"
(2023, p.1) that originate from the unique features of the constituents (Colson, 2023). Ingredients
that contribute to strong cohesion include:
1. Broad-mindedness
2. receptiveness
3. Honest communication
4. Consideration (Colson, 2023).
A member with prior group exposure will develop the "current attitude of members and
determines what feelings they bring to the new group" (Colson, 2023, p.1). Understanding how
these feelings evolve and communicating them is essential for progress and cohesion (Colson,
2023).
Social Cohesion
According to Forsyth (2017), "social cohesion increases when group members like each other"
(2017, p.59). On the other hand, cohesion is a multifaceted approach; first, members form an
initial connection, second, a bond to the group itself, and third, to the group's affiliation (Forsyth,
2017). For example, I am a leader of a women's group at my church. Initially, the leaders
gathered to spend time seeking the Lord for wisdom and to form a connection. Second, we all
knew that the Lord called us to create a group for the hurting women in the church; we were a
team with a purpose. Third, we were all members of the same body of believers, in which we all
loved and respected one another. This common bond we found in each other solidified our
connection, which proved to be unbreakable.
Religion and Social Cohesion
According to Devappa (2014), our beliefs play a crucial role in strengthening social bonds by
fostering social cohesion through the cultivation of mutual principles, development of a support
system, and promotion of reconciliation (Devappa, 2014). It promotes solidarity in individuals
through a common bonding of shared convictions, contributing to a sense of belonging and
collective identity" (Devappa, 2014, p.1).
Task Cohesion
According to Forsyth (2017), "task cohesion is a shared commitment" (p. 60) of solidarity and
collaboration within groups that aim to achieve a common goal, which necessitates a joint effort
(Forsyth, 2017). Studies have found that "teams, military squads, and expeditions find that
members, when asked to describe their team's cohesiveness, stress the quality of their group as a
performing unit" (2017, p. 60).
A perfect illustration of task cohesion is a sports team that works together to develop a game plan
and ultimately succeeds in winning the game (Forsyth, 2019). Most athletes were considered
superior, consumed by the goal of scoring the highest points and guarding the goalie's net
(Forsyth, 2019). The members learned that "success is not based on personal performance"
(2019, p. 59).
Reference
Colton, D. (2023). Group Cohesiveness (Review of Group Cohesiveness). Research Starters
Home; EBSCO.
DeVappa, M.K. (2014). The Role of Religion in Social Cohesion. IJRAR 2014, Volume 1.
www.ijrar.org (E-ISSN 2348-1269, P-ISSN 2349-5138).
Forsyth, D.R. (2019). Group Dynamics. CENGAGE 7th Ed.
