How socialization tactics relate to role clarity,cohesion, and intentions to return in soccer teams

Socialization tactics for integrating newcomers into sport teams can be key to the evolution of relationships within the group and can lead to positive or negative consequences throughout the season. For this reason, across two studies with distinct contexts, we sought to unpack the mechanisms through which socialization tactics are related to group and individual outcomes. Study 1 examined the relation between socialization tactics and cohesion, and examined role clarity as a potential mediator of this relation with 170 national-level soccer players. We observed a strong positive association between socialization tactics and cohesion, with role clarity mediating the relation between socialization tactics and Group Integration – Task. Study 2 analyzed the relation between socialization tactics (measured at T1) and intentions to return (measured at T2), with cohesion perceptions (measured at T1) as a mediator of this relation. Results from the responses of 214 club-level soccer players indicated that that Individual Attractions to the Group–Task helped explain the socialization tactics-intentions to return relation. As the arrival of new team members is a persistent and consequential occurrence for team dynamics in sport, our results provide insight into how socialization tactics relate to a range of key individual athlete perceptions about their sport experiences.