Discusses the definition and origin of the term "groupthink." Examines three studies on groupthink by John Courtright (1978), Matie Flowers (1977), and Philip Tetlock (1979). Concludes none of the three is superior to another but that it can be learned from all three that group decision making is fraught with danger. (ABL)

Describes and integrates a multidimensional approach for measuring and understanding small group process. Reviews the construct of cohesion and applies the multidimensional approach to evidence, both conceptual and empirical, resulting from studies of cohesion. Discusses observations and conclusions regarding cohesion and its current state. (BH)

Presents a model to remedy the problem of groups with poor cohesion, energy, and interaction. The Dynamic Commitment Design promotes group growth through the "fish-bowl" effect. Members currently committed to therapy who wish to make contact form the inner circle, while those wishing to withdraw move outside the circle. (BH)

Claims that group cohesiveness has proven to be astonishingly difficult to define precisely and consistently, although it remains a critical group-level variable. Notes that some researchers rely on classic definitions while others leave it undefined. Suggests that greater focus on the definitional issue should improve the quality of future…

Used causal modeling procedures to investigate the relationship between cohesion and productivity in 54 recently formed work groups within the framework of a nine-month longitudinal field study. Results support the central role of group acceptance of organizational goals in determining both productivity and cohesion. (Author/ABL)

Metaphorical analysis of small group interactions enables researchers and practitioners to isolate, identify, and intervene with the current social reality of the group. This heuristic study offers one view of the specific meaning structures which account for the development of group cohesiveness. (BL)

Dimensions of group self-disclosure, intimacy and immediacy, were examined in two experiments using college student (N=273) subjects who viewed four videotapes of group interactions. Groups in which members made more disclosures about intimate topics were percieved as more cohesive. Higher immediacy, however, was not associated with increased…

Developed and tested encompassing and utilitarian measure of small group consensus using 48 small groups involving 234 college students. Pilot study of 14 groups and 61 subjects used instrument to test consensus stability over six-week period. Results showed no significant change in consensus levels over that time. (Author/NB)

Investigated the relationship of group cohesiveness to empathy, self-disclosure, acceptance, and trust, and compared three different groups (personal growth, driving under the influence, psychotherapy), with a total of 65 subjects, on measures of cohesiveness. Found all factors correlated significantly with cohesiveness and with one another.…

Investigated an ongoing therapy group over a six-month period to see if cohesiveness developed differently during various stages. Subjects were psychiatric outpatients (N=5). Questionnaire results showed cohesiveness continued to increase before reaching a plateau and decreasing, but the loss was not significant. (JAC)

A field study of a naturally functioning group (N=125) was conducted to identify common group problems. Trained observers attended group meetings and described the problems encountered. Difficulties of cohesion, leadership, sub-group formation, and personality conflict were identified. (RC)

Examines relative efficacy of dissonance theory and interpersonal attraction theory over random composition in composing groups that will work best in group therapy. Treatment variables were a tape-recorded treatment condition, a placebo condition, and a no-treatment control condition. No clear support for either theory of group support was found.…

Examined the relationship between group processes and group performance and cohesion in task and social groups using college students (N=160) as subjects. Found results supported the conceptual distinction between cohesion and performance and the importance of processes dealing with both the task and group maintenance. (Author/ABL)

The effects of different group processes on team performance is examined using a formative evaluation. A taxonomy of six different decision-making and leadership styles is developed. Cohesion was found to be a significant factor in explaining high performance. (Author/BL)

The development of cohesion and attraction-to-group and the role these variables play warrants serious consideration. A first step toward more adequate conceptualization is separation of the concepts, with the former viewed as a group phenomenon and the latter as the individual's identification with the group. (Author)