The Effects of Cohesiveness and Collaboration on Work Groups: A Theoretical Model

Abstract

Both cohesiveness and collaboration are identified as co-determinants of group productivity and affective responses of group members. A theoreti cal model detailing the interaction of these variables is presented. Four situations are given that describe the effects of cohesiveness and collab oration on important group, individual, and organizational outcomes. In each case, managerial strategies are discussed that may have beneficial effects on groups low on either or both of the variables. Finally, it is argued that application of group-dynamic models to specific organiza tional settings could improve management practice and performance assessment.