Small Group - Chapter 8

10/11/10

9. What are some factors, in your experience, that make it difficult for a group to be cohesive?

One factor that makes a group cohesive is their common ground. If, for example, group members have similar likes, dislikes, or hobbies, they are more likely to understand each other, and be more cohesive. Another factor that aids group cohesiveness is a common goal. If group members have the same, or similar goals, they will be much more willing to work together than if they were all working towards their own separate goals. A third factor that aids in group cohesiveness is personality types, and each person’s ability to cooperate with different personality types. If group members each have a different type of personality, and none of the members truly know how to work well with other personality types, then group cohesiveness will be very low. If, however, the group members have different personality types, but also know how to work together and use their personality types to their advantage, then group cohesiveness will be high.