Cohesiveness and Performance on an Additive Task: Evidence for Multidimensionality

Abstract

This experiment contrasted two predictions regarding the effects of two types of cohesiveness on the performance of American students. Task-based cohesion and interpersonal cohesion were manipulated independently. Results show that high task cohesion facilitated performance, whereas interpersonal attraction had no apparent effect on production. Increases in interpersonal cohesion did, however, result in higher task commitment and more frequent interactions among group members. A path analysis suggested that potentially beneficial effects on production of increasing task commitment were obviated by the increased conversation also resulting from interpersonal cohesion. These data suggest that cohesiveness should be conceptualized as a multidimensional rather than as a unitary variable.