Group Leadership Theory Essay

This essay will critically analyse and assess two specific group leadership theories that have been taught in the TL2087 module, it will then further Investigate and assess strategies for group leadership and management with the aim of meeting the given learning outcomes and specific needs of the group, in addition to that it will summarise the findings made and a conclusion will be drawn clearly outlining the key points highlighted in the essay.

Over the course of the module many varying Leadership theories have been discussed. An in depth look in to theories such as Emotional Intelligence, Multiple Intelligence, co leadership and group cohesion, but for the purpose of this essay the two specific Leadership theories will be that of group

Group cohesion is defined as a dynamic process “which is reflected in the tendency for a group to stick together and remain united in the pursuit of its instrumental objectives” (Carron et al., 1985). Literature in to the field of group cohesion is vast Levi, (2001) Discusses group cohesion and refers to the interpersonal bonds that mould a group together. Several various theorists feel that the fundamental components of group cohesion is that of a feeling of belonging or social identity (Lott & Lott 1965:- Hogg 1992)

Group cohesion is not caused by one single factor but by the contribution of many other factors (Tuckman, 1964) In order for a group to be fully cohesive a certain process occurs, a conceptual model created by Carron et al (1985) clearly outlines this procedure, this model says that there can be two routes towards group cohesion, one of which is group integration, this is how the group itself bonds together and is dependant on if the individuals within the group form a bond. Another is that of the individuals attraction towards the group which is dependant on there own motivation to stay in and contribute, alongside there own personal involvement in the overall group functionality.Thus the success of the theory is highly dependant on the need for co-operation from each individual within the

(French & Bell, 1984; Porras & Berg, 1978)

The application of these methods are seen as being a positive approach to the strong cohesion within a group, but much emphasise is put on the correct timing in which these methods are chose to be applied, to that we look back to Tuckman (1965) and the application in the correct stage of the group development