Cohesion

TLDR

Group cohesion definitions vary across disciplines, and a Carron‑Widmeyer‑Brawley conceptualization has been proposed for broad applicability, though prior studies questioned its validity due to neglecting group heterogeneity. The article aims to clarify cohesion measurement issues and test research questions by offering a general definition, theoretical discussion, and procedural suggestions. The authors propose a general definition of cohesiveness, discuss its theoretical implications, and suggest conditions and procedures for examining group cohesion structure across contexts. Prior studies have questioned the validity of the Carron‑Widmeyer‑Brawley cohesion conceptualization.

Abstract

The constitutive and operational definitions of group cohesion have varied across various disciplines in group dynamics. Recently, it has been suggested that a conceptualization of cohesion proposed by Carron, Widmeyer, and Brawley could have broad research applicability for different types of groups. However, results from a few studies have raised questions about the validity of this suggestion. One reason that these studies did not support the suggestion is that they failed to take into account the varied nature of groups and group cohesiveness. To clarify issues associated with measuring cohesion and testing various research questions, this article provides a general definition of cohesiveness, a discussion of the theoretical implications of that definition, and some suggestions for the conditions and procedures necessary to examine the structure of group cohesion in a variety of group contexts.