Relation between Group-Level Characteristics and Group Cohesion

摘要

This research examined the differences in cohesion among platoons in the Finnish conscript service and the relations between platoon cohesion and an array of outcome criteria. Data were collected from records and by questionnaires given to 514 platoon members in 21 platoons near the end of their 6 to 12 months of conscript training. Results showed that mean expected and rated performance, mental state, sense of personal growth, social skills aptitude, attitudes toward refresher training and national defense, and good conduct were related overall to strong platoon mean perceived cohesion. Platoon size was not significantly related to cohesion. The different cohesion components (peer, leader, organizational, and institutional bonding) were related differently to various predictor and outcome variables.