2.1.2) Use the following factors that influence the cohesiveness of a group and describe by means of

Question

examples the factors that are applicable to a group of people working together on an assignment. – Time spent together
– Severity of initiation into the group
– Group size
– Gender
– External threats
– Previous successes

Answer 1

Time spent together: The more time a group of people spend together working on an assignment, the more cohesive they are likely to become. This is because spending more time together allows for increased familiarity, understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses, and the development of shared norms and values. For example, a group of employees who spend several hours each day collaborating on a project are more likely to develop a strong bond and work together effectively compared to a group of employees who only meet occasionally.

Severity of initiation into the group: The severity of initiation into a group can also influence its cohesiveness. When group members go through a challenging or demanding initiation process, such as completing a difficult task or facing a high level of scrutiny, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and commitment to the group. For instance, a group of new employees who go through an intensive training program together are likely to form a cohesive unit as they have overcome a shared challenge.

Group size: The size of a group can also impact its cohesiveness. Generally, smaller groups tend to be more cohesive than larger groups because members have more opportunities to interact and collaborate with each other. In a smaller group working on an assignment, members can develop personal relationships, understand each other's strengths and weaknesses better, and coordinate their efforts more easily. A group of five employees working on a project will likely have stronger cohesion compared to a group of fifty employees.

Gender: Gender can also play a role in group cohesion, although its influence may vary depending on specific contexts and cultures. Research suggests that groups with a balanced mix of both genders tend to be more cohesive compared to groups that are predominantly single-gender. This is because diverse perspectives and experiences from both genders can contribute to better problem-solving and decision-making. For example, a group of engineers working on an assignment may benefit from having both male and female team members who bring different perspectives to the table.

External threats: The presence of external threats can also increase group cohesiveness. When a group faces a common threat or challenge from an external source, members are more likely to come together and support each other. This is because the shared goal of overcoming the threat or challenge creates a sense of solidarity and unity. For instance, a group of employees working in a company facing a potential takeover by a competitor may form a cohesive bond as they work together to protect their jobs and the company's interests.

Previous successes: Previous successes can also contribute to group cohesiveness. When a group has achieved positive outcomes together in the past, members develop a sense of confidence and trust in each other's capabilities, leading to increased cohesion. For example, a group of students who have consistently performed well in previous group projects are likely to have a strong bond and work cohesively in future assignments as they know each other's strengths and can rely on each other's skills.