Group Property 5: Cohesiveness

 

Groups differ in their cohesiveness - the degree to which members are attracted to each other and motivated to stay in the group.

 

Studies consistently show that the relationship between cohesiveness and productivity depends on the group´s performance-related norms. If performance-related norms for quality, output, and cooperation with outsiders are high, a cohesive group will be more productive than will less cohesive group.

 

But if cohesiveness is high and performance norms are low, productivity will be low. If cohesiveness is low and performance norms are high, productivity increases, but less than in previous situation. When cohesiveness and performance-related norms are both low, productivity tends to fall into the low-moderate range.