Nonequivalent Associations Between Forms of Cohesiveness and Group-Related Outcomes: Evidence for Multidimensionality

Abstract

This study contrasted different forms of group cohesiveness in a student military organization. A questionnaire assessing task cohesion, interpersonal cohesion, role uncertainty, and group performance processes was administered to members of nine large-scale cadet squadrons in the United States. Two behavioral outcomes, individual performance and absenteeism, were also assessed. Individual correlations adjusted for group-level effects indicated that task cohesiveness was more strongly associated with lower role uncertainty, higher individual performance, and lower absenteeism than was interpersonal cohesiveness. These analyses also showed equally strong associations between group performance processes and both forms of cohesion. Taken together, the data provide evidence for a multidimensional rather than a unitary perspective of group cohesiveness.