Group Cohesiveness Development

Group cohesiveness is group members bonding together, joining together and working together toward a clear goal (Brandler & Roman, 2015). It is about working together for a period of time on certain goal to be obtained. Group cohesiveness build strength and trust among group members. In healthcare settings, a greater cohesiveness in teamwork is related with better patient outcome measures and high patient satisfaction (Grumbach & Bodenheimer, 2004). In order to develop a group cohesiveness in healthcare organization, factors of group cohesiveness need to be considered. These factors are group experiences, size of group, status of group and threats to group (Hongyan, 2008).

Past group experiences contribute a lot to the members’ thoughts and actions. The future task behaviors are the pathways for group activities and work flow. Also, group size has a great influence on group behaviors and productivity (Hongyan, 2008). Increased group size is challenging and problems likely to occur in big groups where cohesion is less developed as well as trust (Hongyan, 2008). Group size of five to six members considered acceptable and promoting positive thinking (Nazzaro & Strazzabosco, 2009). Group size is an important element which should be considered in group behaviors (Thomas & Fink, 1963). Another factor is group status which is the rank or position of group members. It is an important factor to the success of group work. Group status can contribute to overcome challenges and achieve goals (Shi & Xie, 2014). Group cohesiveness is more seen among higher status members (Shi & Xie, 2014). Unpredictable threats can affect group cohesiveness. A stronger and more cohesive group can face the difficult challenges and threats. The presence of threats can lead to productive thinking, cooperation and more cohesiveness.

Development of group cohesiveness is starting with having a clear goal, location and time of regular meetings. Also, defining group status and group size. Group members need to be aware of features of cohesiveness which include effective listening, constructive discussion and frequent criticism (Toner, Miller & Gurland, 1994). Positive interactions between members is important to develop a strong cohesiveness. Also, setting priorities and achievable goals are essential. Group members’ awareness of their roles will direct their group work correctly toward achieving goals. Leadership support to group members is fundamental to increase their confidence. Acknowledgment of good work will create a climate of trust and good productivity which is important to group cohesiveness (Toner, Miller & Gurland, 1994). Sustaining group cohesiveness is an important goal in order to achieve the organizational goals. This can be done by motivating and acknowledging group works in organization.

Organizational barriers to team effectiveness

Organizational barriers to team effectiveness are inadequate working plans, mistrust among members, leader’s lack of leadership skills, lack of communication skills, ineffective recognition and acknowledgement from organization. Also, lack of organizational support is considered a barrier that affect team effectiveness. Ineffective team forming process by organization can be a negative barrier. Setting difficult and unattainable goals is time and energy consuming which will affect work productivity and team effectiveness (Brandler & Roman, 2015). In addition to, lack of educational support about leadership skills and effective group works. Also, having many projects to be done in same time considered a difficult barrier affecting effectiveness of group work.

Conclusion

Understanding the group dynamics in any working field especially in healthcare organization is an important step to success and work productivity. Each member share responsibility toward effectiveness of the entire group. Group effectiveness and cohesiveness are important to each manager in healthcare organization to accomplish certain goals. To develop a group cohesiveness in healthcare organization, factors of group cohesiveness need to be considered. These factors are group experiences, size of group, status of group and threats to group (Hongyan, 2008). Development of group cohesiveness is starting with having a clear goal, location and time. Also, defining group status and group size. Group members need to be aware of features of cohesiveness which include effective listening, constructive discussion and frequent criticism (Toner, Miller & Gurland, 1994). Sustaining group cohesiveness in organization is needed to achieve future organizational goals. This can be done by motivating and acknowledging group works.

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