Although group project concepts and skills have become a major component in most information systems (IS) academic programs, very little research has attempted to examine factors that may improve or undermine effectiveness of IS group projects. Accordingly, based on relevant literatures, this study develops and empirically tests a model of factors…

In the present study, we examined whether collective efficacy, group cohesion (task and social), and perceived motivational climate (task-involving and ego-involving orientations) in a music ensemble predict instrumentalists' perceived conductor support. Ninety-one (N = 91) skilled high school instrumentalists participated in the study. To assess…

Social pressures in the United States are explained in the context of group identification and group behavior. The urban scene is made up of a number of groups, or subcultures, which have parallel structures along socio-economic, and nationality-color-ethnic lines. These groups act as if they had a structured plan. It is shown how this plan is…

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)

This article briefly discusses some important elements of group effectiveness, then outlines characteristics of groupthink, provides examples of situations in which it occurs, and recommends actions in each case for preventing or lessening it. (Author/CT)

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.…

To improve student completion rates in higher education, faculty are using cohort educational models (CEM); however, very few studies were found regarding CEMs effects in educating culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) doctoral students in the field of special education. This study investigated two questions: (a) Are there differences for…

A developmental framework for initiating group counseling and psychotherapy is presented. On the basis of existing evidence, client risk, responsibility, and group structure were postulated as basic ingredients affecting early group development. Client exposure to levels of personal risk and responsibility most conducive to group development can…

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)

This study examined the sequence of prereading and group consensus as techniques facilitating learning in a structured laboratory. The basic hypothesis examined is that (1) the sequence of prereading and (2) the requirement of consensus in group decisions facilitate learning. To test the hypothesis a structured laboratory was run with 73 foremen…

The stimulus value of group boundaries was investigated in a field experiment. It was hypothesized that the size of a group and the status of its members would reduce the permeability of a boundary around an interacting group. Two or 4 interacting people of high or low status interrupted the traffic flow in a university hallway. Results indicate…

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)

This paper focuses on group dynamics and introduces the use of initiative activities as a means of facilitating a more cohesive group experience in outdoor programs. Specific topics addressed and defined include: (1) curative factors of groups (universality, didactic learning, altruism, socialization, peer learning, group cohesiveness); (2) stages…

This book is intended to assist group leaders, teachers, counselors, and peer helpers in the development of relationships and active learning. The first chapter, "Icebreakers," begins with an overview that explains the nature, purpose, and importance of these activities. Icebreakers are used to help group members learn about each other in a…

This study looks at the relationship between the size of the small interacting group (in numbers of persons) and its environment; in this case, the density of its immediate population. Results indicated a significant inverse relationship between population density and the size of small interacting groups. (Author)