What is a consequence of too much cohesion in a group?
A Groups tend to have decreased levels of effort.
B Groups tend to lack cooperation.
C Group members tend to argue.
D Group members tend to overstep each other’s boundaries.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answer is A. Groups tend to have decreased levels of effort.
Explanation:
Cohesion in a group refers to the bond or the sense of solidarity that ties group members together. It is generally seen as a positive trait because it encourages cooperation, trust, and collaboration. However, when cohesion becomes excessive, it can have negative consequences for the group’s performance and dynamics. One such consequence is a decrease in effort from group members, which is the essence of answer A.
Here’s why excessive cohesion can lead to decreased effort:
- Complacency and Lack of Accountability: When a group is too cohesive, members may become overly comfortable with one another, reducing their drive to push themselves or each other toward high levels of performance. Because the group feels unified, there may be less pressure for individuals to perform at their best. Everyone may rely on the group to maintain momentum rather than focusing on personal contribution.
- Groupthink: Another factor that ties into decreased effort is the concept of groupthink, which occurs when a desire for harmony and conformity in the group leads to poor decision-making. Individuals may suppress their own opinions and ideas to avoid disrupting the group’s unity. This suppression can also extend to taking risks or challenging the status quo, which stifles innovation and reduces effort toward creative or high-quality outcomes.
- Social Loafing: With high cohesion, some group members might engage in social loafing, where they contribute less effort because they feel that others will pick up the slack. This phenomenon is especially common when the group’s success is seen as a collective effort rather than an individual achievement.
Thus, while cohesion is important, too much of it can lead to a relaxed atmosphere where individuals feel they don’t need to work hard, resulting in reduced overall effort from the group.