1. Running head: TASK COHESION AND GROUP MOTIVATION 1
Task Cohesion and Group Motivation
Erin N. Bosman
University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire

2. TASK COHESION AND GROUP MOTIVATION 2
Task Cohesion and Group Motivation
In order for a group to achieve task cohesion, they must have group- level
motivation. Task cohesion is the dedication shared by the individuals comprising a group
to complete a goal that requires the effort of the whole group. In order for a group to
remain cohesive and on task, they must have group- oriented motivation rather than
personal motivation (Forsyth, 2014, pg.137). They must focus on wanting all group
members to be successful rather than focusing on only themself, and their own success.
Working as a unit allows groups to stay focused on their task and be successful
through having a correlated motivation between all members. Task oriented groups can
include academic groups, athletic teams, and work groups. There are many studies
focusing on the concepts of motivation and cohesion, and how the two concepts correlate
together.
I looked over a study relating group motivation and task cohesion when looking at
female students in physical activity courses. "Results of the study indicated that group
cohesion constructs had a significant relationship with female students’ motivation and
motivational outcomes in college organized physical activity classes. This research
demonstrates that incorporating motivational constructs from different perspectives can
provide unique insights in the research area of female student motivation and physical
activity" (Xiangli, Solomon, Tao, & Ping, 2011).
This study emphasized the importance of group motivation and task cohesion
among academic groups and task- oriented groups. After viewing this study, I began to
look at my social problem research project group through a new perspective of focusing
on the goals of the group as a whole. At first, I was primarily motivated by my goal to

3. TASK COHESION AND GROUP MOTIVATION 3
complete service learning. However, the rest of my group does not need service learning
hours and is motivated primarily by their grade in the class and the goal to help a
community partner. We also all had different ideas for the project, but can combine these
motivations and ideas to one project that will help benefit our community partner eye- to
eye. Group motivation is essential to task cohesion. We need to work as a unit, rather
than as individuals seeking personal goals (Forsyth, 2014, pg.137).

4. TASK COHESION AND GROUP MOTIVATION 4
References
Forsyth, D. (2014). Cohesion and development. In Group dynamics (6th ed.). Belmont,
California: Wadsworth.
Klassen, R. M., & Krawchuk, L. L. (2009). Collective motivation beliefs of early
adolescents working in small groups. Journal Of School Psychology, 47(2), 101-
120. doi:10.1016/j.jsp.2008.11.002
XIANGLI, G., SOLMON, M. A., TAO, Z., & PING, X. (2011). Group Cohesion,
Achievement Motivation, and Motivational Outcomes among Female College
Students. Journal Of Applied Sport Psychology, 23(2), 175-188.
doi:10.1080/10413200.2010.548847