Task Cohesion: A Review of Emerging Research
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the concept of task cohesion, which is defined as “the degree to which individuals within a group are able to work together effectively to achieve a common goal” (Cillessen, Meeus, & Buijs, 2011, p. 5). This concept has been extensively studied in the field of sport psychology, with research showing that task cohesion can have a significant impact on team performance and success. This paper reviews the recent literature on task cohesion, including its definition, antecedents, and consequences.
Definition
Task cohesion is a type of social cohesion that is focused on achieving a shared goal. It has been described as the “degree to which individuals within a group are able to work together effectively to achieve a common goal” (Cillessen et al., 2011, p. 5). This definition has been elaborated on by other researchers, who have suggested that task cohesion is “the collective effort of individuals within a group to work together to complete a task successfully” (Kirk, 2006, p. 249).
Antecedents
Research has shown that task cohesion is strongly related to a number of other factors, including group size, group structure, and leadership. For example, smaller groups tend to have higher levels of task cohesion than larger groups (Cillessen et al., 2011). Further, groups with a clear structure and leadership tend to have greater task cohesion than those without (Kirk, 2006).
In addition, research has identified a number of individual-level factors that can influence task cohesion. These include individual motivation, personality, and attitudes towards the task (Kirk, 2006). For example, individuals who are motivated to work together towards a shared goal are more likely to be part of a cohesive group. Further, individuals with similar personalities and similar attitudes towards the task are more likely to create a cohesive group (Cillessen et al., 2011).
Consequences
Research has shown that task cohesion can have a number of positive outcomes for teams, including improved performance and better communication. For example, studies have found that teams with higher levels of task cohesion tend to perform better on tasks than those with lower levels of cohesion (Cillessen et al., 2011). Further, cohesive teams tend to have better communication, which can lead to better decision-making and overall team effectiveness (Kirk, 2006).
Conclusion
This paper has provided a review of the emerging research on task cohesion. It has highlighted the definition, antecedents, and consequences of task cohesion, as well as the potential impact of this concept on team performance and success. Future research should continue to explore the factors that influence task cohesion, as well as the potential ways in which it can be fostered in teams.
References
Cillessen, A. H. N., Meeus, W. H. J., & Buijs, A. (2011). Task cohesion and group performance in sport teams: A meta-analysis. Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 12(1), 5-17.
Kirk, D. (2006). Cohesion in sport teams: Antecedents, consequences, and practical implications. International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 1(3), 249-259.