The purpose of the essay is to discuss what factors can contribute to building cohesive groups. There are many factors which can be useful in developing perfectionism within a group. These factors are as follow: membership and work environment factors, organisational factors and group development and maturity. Meredith Belbin’s nine team roles also determine the degree to which cohesiveness is maintained. In order to discuss these factors, this essay will define what a group team is and present two different kinds of groups. Second, some of these factors contributing to success of group work will be described. Next, this essay will also focus on the role of conflict and its different positive and negative outcomes. Finally, the importance of teamwork will also be presented.
Mullins (2010) and Rollinson (2008) define group work as ‘any group member who interact with one another, are psychologically aware of one another and perceive themselves to be a group’. It is evident that the definition has three parts and in order for a group to be considered as one, there must be interactions with other individuals. Thus two divisions of a group can emerge, namely formal and informal groups. Formal groups create relationships around organisational goals, whereas informal groups build relationships around personal goals. Anyhow, groups ‘cohesiveness will depend upon different styles and the way of perceiving the group.
Membership is the first factor which contributes to building cohesiveness within a group. The size of the group is significant and it is said that a perfect group consists of between five to seven members. Furthermore large groups have a tendency to create sub divisions. In large groups absenteeism can be present and they can be more difficult to supervise and handle. Compatibility of members is very important and they will build a successful team only if they similar