Surveyed 519 Southern Baptists to test the prepotency of social linkages for predicting commitment in voluntary organizations. Results indicated that instrumentality theory (association with church gives prestige) was a weak predictor of organizational commitment. Cohesion theory (feeling wanted and needed by the church) produced more consistent…

A recent survey of coaches ranks team cohesion as the most critical problem coaches face. Optimal interpersonal relationships among athletes and their coaches can maximize collective performance. Team dynamics are discussed and coaching tips are provided. (MT)

Conducted a comparative analysis to investigate the relationship between voluntary group participation and geographical sites of respective ethnic centers of the Croatian and Czech communities of St. Louis. Utilizing an ecological framework, the findings suggested organizational activity is strongly dependent on the environmental adequacy of the…

Describes attempts to form a communication group among male and female inmates. The failure of this effort is discussed with emphasis on the special problems and needs of groups in prisons and the lack of insight among the institution's administration and staff. (JAC)

Describes a structured experience that can be used as a process intervention during resistive phases of group development, by increasing participant commitment and responsibility. Goals of group self-description are to define problems, involve members, and develop cohesiveness. (JAC)

Undergraduates in six programmed T-groups received feedback that was either behavioral, emotional, or combined behavioral-emotional. Negative behavioral feedback was more credible than negative emotional feedback. Participants in group psychotherapy and encounter groups who give each other behavioral feedback can enhance the credibility of the…

In this article an attempt has been made to identify Black unity and a discussion of how achieving a sense of collective Black identity, through utilizing skills peculiar to the human potential movement, can serve as a positive force to unite blacks. (Author)

This study attempts to provide and to analyze some ethnographic data as evidence of functionality of an affiliative family. (Author)

This article describes a project initiated by the authors to provide 1) a practical basis for helping students understand characteristics and capabilities of groups and 2) an activity to promote group unity within the class. (Authors)

A young Chicago poet explores the black literary scene and exposes new vistas of understanding and possibility. (DM)

A comparative study of ethnic minority cohesiveness and distinctiveness in southern state legislatures found that the addition of minority ethnic members to the lower legislative bodies of Texas, South Carolina, and Louisiana has resulted in the formation of the relatively (but not completely) cohesive voting group of minority members. (Author/RM)

Heterosexually balanced groups were exposed to encounter-group tapes instructing them to share initmate experiences. Examples of high self-disclosure and openness were presented. Exercises differed only in instructions and accompanying behavioral examples. Results indicated that higher levels of disclosure produced greater group cohesiveness on…

Describes a study designed to determine the effects of group cohesiveness on group performance in a management game and, to examine the effects voluntary v assigned group membership has on the cohesiveness of the group. (Author/LLS)