Cohesion Research: Conceptual and Methodological Issues

Abstract

A quantitative integration of the cohesion-performance research involving real world groups (Oliver, 1987) revealed a number of issues that made the interpretation of that research problematic. This paper discusses some of these conceptual and methodological issues and offers recommendations based on the issues. Recommendations call for a consensus on a definition of cohesion as well as on a differentiation of cohesion from other constructs and establishment of a database of cohesion instruments. Specific suggestions are given for developing psychometrically sound cohesion measures. Also strongly urged is the identification of related variables and the delineation of their interrelationships, particularly the cohesion-performance relationships. Guidelines are presented for reporting of research results. Keywords: Group dynamics/cohesion; Research managements; Variables/Identification; Psychological tests; Human performance.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA228030

Entities

People

  • Laurel W. Oliver

Organizations

  • U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Army Personnel
  • Behavioral Sciences
  • Business Administration
  • Classification
  • Databases
  • Group Dynamics
  • Management Personnel
  • New York
  • Organizational Structure
  • Personnel Management
  • Psychology
  • Security
  • Social Psychology
  • Social Sciences
  • Teamwork
  • Technical Information Centers
  • United States

Fields of Study

  • Engineering
  • Psychology

Readers

  • Organizational Psychology.
  • Systems Analysis and Design