Group cohesion is a very important aspect in any organization. While forming our permanent group in college, cohesiveness is a very critical aspect. There are two dimensions that are normally considered in group cohesiveness, i.e. task related and emotional or personal dimensions. Task cohesiveness occurs when a group comes together so as to share tasks and work together so as to accomplish the goals of the group. So as to be able to succeed in this dimension, members need to be able to develop goals and objectives (Levi, 2010). Personal or emotional dimension on the other hand, pertains the feelings and connection which members have in common and this is the driving force that keeps them close together. Questions which often arise from personal cohesiveness include how much time the group members spend together and it makes members to have an urge of meeting in the next meeting and discussing more.
Group cohesivesss is possible when the composition of the group members has been put into consideration. For instance, it is not possible to put together individuals who do not share some common interests. Such a group is bound to be a source of conflicts. Composition of a group can be understood better by considering several aspects. These include the size of the group, the level of the participants, the age of the members and the differences that exists between the members. The size of the group needs to be manageable. A smaller group is desirable because communication is made much easier (Levi, 2010). The level of the group members refers to the extent in which the members can reason. The age of the members is also important, group members who are of the same age reason almost the same and therefore it is desirable to have such a group. When members of a group come together, it is important to note their differences so that they can able to know their weaknesses and strengths (Burtis and Turman, 2006).
A group is often measured by the individual benefits that members derive from the group. It is critical to understand the individual benefits that each member expects from the group and therefore allow them to express themselves. When forming a group, it is critical to put together members who have the same goal, i.e. those who expect to have the same benefits. Effectiveness on the other hand, is measured by how the group manages to succeed. A successful group is the one that it cuts across the differences between the members, the environment where the group members meet, and the expectations of each group member. It is very important to measure the effectiveness of the group so that individuals know whether they are failing of edging towards success (Levi, 2010).
Communication is also one of important aspects, which need to be put into consideration when forming a group. For the success of any group, there should be an open and effective team communication. An open communication is the type of communication where individuals are free to express themselves and therefore share all what they have. When communication, group members need to put into consideration the elements of communication such as the medium, the recipient, sender, the message and feedback (Slocum, 1967). Regular communication needs to be made in a group so that members understand each other more and solve issues, which may arise.
Although our permanent group has been successful because it has out into consideration all the above factors, some aspects need to be improved on. One recommendation that I would make is that communication needs to be improved further. The current technology has come with better and easier ways of communicating and therefore the group leader should consider using email, website, and sms so as to reach members at the right time (Levi, 2010).
I also recommend that the group members should consider organizing other group activities such as making visitations to some areas and social trips. These will help in enhancing proper coordination and cohesion. Members will learn more bout each other and therefore be in a position to accommodate their differences.
References
Burtis, J. and Turman, P. (2006). Group communication pitfalls: overcoming barriers to an
effective group experience. New York, NY: SAGE Publications
Levi, D. (2010). Group Dynamics for Teams. New York, NY: SAGE Publications
Slocum, J. (1967). Group cohesiveness: a salient factor affecting students' academic
achievement and adjustment in a collegiate environment. University of Washington
