Running head: TASK COHESION AND GROUP MOTIVATION

Task Cohesion and Group Motivation

Erin N. Bosman

University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire

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TASK COHESION AND GROUP MOTIVATION

Task Cohesion and Group Motivation

In order for a group to achieve task cohesion, they must have group- level

motivation. Task cohesion is the dedication shared by the individuals comprising a group

to complete a goal that requires the effort of the whole group. In order for a group to

remain cohesive and on task, they must have group- oriented motivation rather than

personal motivation (Forsyth, 2014, pg.137). They must focus on wanting all group

members to be successful rather than focusing on only themself, and their own success.

Working as a unit allows groups to stay focused on their task and be successful

through having a correlated motivation between all members. Task oriented groups can

include academic groups, athletic teams, and work groups. There are many studies

focusing on the concepts of motivation and cohesion, and how the two concepts correlate

together.

I looked over a study relating group motivation and task cohesion when looking at

female students in physical activity courses. "Results of the study indicated that group

cohesion constructs had a significant relationship with female students’ motivation and

motivational outcomes in college organized physical activity classes. This research

demonstrates that incorporating motivational constructs from different perspectives can

provide unique insights in the research area of female student motivation and physical

activity" (Xiangli, Solomon, Tao, & Ping, 2011).

This study emphasized the importance of group motivation and task cohesion

among academic groups and task- oriented groups. After viewing this study, I began to

look at my social problem research project group through a new perspective of focusing

on the goals of the group as a whole. At first, I was primarily motivated by my goal to

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TASK COHESION AND GROUP MOTIVATION

complete service learning. However, the rest of my group does not need service learning

hours and is motivated primarily by their grade in the class and the goal to help a

community partner. We also all had different ideas for the project, but can combine these

motivations and ideas to one project that will help benefit our community partner eye- to

eye. Group motivation is essential to task cohesion. We need to work as a unit, rather

than as individuals seeking personal goals (Forsyth, 2014, pg.137).

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TASK COHESION AND GROUP MOTIVATION

References

Forsyth, D. (2014). Cohesion and development. In Group dynamics (6th ed.). Belmont, California: Wadsworth.

Klassen, R. M., & Krawchuk, L. L. (2009). Collective motivation beliefs of early adolescents working in small groups. Journal Of School Psychology, 47(2), 101-120. doi:10.1016/j.jsp.2008.11.002

XIANGLI, G., SOLMON, M. A., TAO, Z., & PING, X. (2011). Group Cohesion, Achievement Motivation, and Motivational Outcomes among Female College Students. Journal Of Applied Sport Psychology, 23(2), 175-188. doi:10.1080/10413200.2010.548847

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