Upload
others
View
2
Download
0
Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Building Cohesion
Mike Alexander LION Organizational Development & Training
Institute Loyalty Integrity Optimism Nobility
Learning Objectives
• Identify the Common Indicators of Cohesion that are missing (or low) in the situation
• Identify the strength of group cohesion (high/low)? • Describe whether or not the group’s cohesion supports the
organization’s goals.
Cohesion Definition?
“The power of a group to think and act as a single
unit in pursuit of a common objective.” Walker
The degree to which members are attracted to
and remain in a group.
The strength by which a group is united in terms of
thought & action in pursuit of a common goal.
Common Indicators of Group Cohesion?
Interaction & Communication
Power of group over individuals in the group - opinions, attitudes & behaviors
Goal Attainment
Member Satisfaction
Loyalty & Identification
Elaborate Norms and Practices
Interaction & Communication Variables with Cohesion
High Indicators
Friendliness
Cooperation
Communications
Meetings
quality & quantity
Low Indicators
Friendliness
Cooperation
Communications
Meetings
Behavioral indicators of the power of
the group over its members
Members are willing to make personal changes &
sacrifices to belong
Members conform to the groups opinions, attitudes & behaviors)
Members have an increased ability to resistant external pressures
Members have an increased ability to resist internal non-conforming pressures
Members are more resilient against collapse of the group
Goal Attainment
• The goals set by the group are difficult & specific. There is timely feedback. The team members participate in the goal setting process.
• Group effort and energy is directed toward attainment of group goals
Member Satisfaction
• Members have a sense of satisfaction from being a part of the group.
• The greater the cohesion, the greater the satisfaction with group membership and the group’s goals and efforts
Group Loyalty & Identification
• The group invokes and inspires greater loyalty from their members.
• Less effort is needed to maintain its members (effort which in turn can be directed towards goal accomplishment).
• When members render loyalty to their group, they develop greater psychological identification with them.
• This identification then elicits loyalty from its members.
Elaborate Group Norms, Practices and symbols
– Examples?
Intangible Variables Associated With Cohesion
High Indicators
Trust
Confidence
Understanding
Performance
Mutual Respect
Low Indicators
Trust
Confidence
Understanding
Performance
Mutual Respect
Cohesion Leader Strategies
Sacrifice –
Work activities requiring hard work by the group - will enhance cohesion.
Cohesion Leader Strategies
Sacrifice
Teamwork
Work activities requiring group cooperation and teamwork for success.
Cohesion Leader Strategies
Sacrifice
Teamwork
Interaction
Provide more opportunities for interaction and communication among all group members will increase cohesion.
Cohesion Leader Strategies
Sacrifice
Teamwork
Interaction
Competition
When done in a positive and productive manner with outside groups can enhance cohesion.
{too high of stakes can lead to illegal or unethical practices.}
Cohesion Leader Strategies
Sacrifice
Teamwork
Interaction
Competition
Keep Members Focused – Goals, Objectives & Strategies
Hard work focused on group’s portion of organization’s mission will enhance cohesion
Cohesion Leader Strategies
Sacrifice
Teamwork
Interaction
Competition
Keep members focused
Unique norms and symbols
Reinforce group’s identity – special uniforms, badges, pins, or privileges.
Cohesion Leader Strategies
Sacrifice
Teamwork
Interaction
Competition
Keep members focused
Unique norms and symbols
Missions
Assign groups unique missions, either as primary or specialty assignments.
Cohesion Leader Strategies
Sacrifice
Teamwork
Interaction
Competition
Keep members focused
Unique norms and symbols
Missions
s.t.i.c.k.u.m.
Group Cohesion & Group Performance
(High Performance)
(Medium
Performance)
(Low Performance) (Low Performance)
Cohesion at every level in a police organization
Group Loyalty & Identification
The group invokes and inspires greater loyalty from their members.
Questions?
L.I.O.N. ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE MIKE.ALEXANDER@LIONLEADERSHIP-
INSTITUTE.COM 512-784-6580
LOYALTY – INTEGRITY – OPTIMISM – NOBILITY
Mike Alexander