The Effects of Team Cohesion on Performance: a Study of a College Division III Women’s Soccer Team

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of team bonding activities upon the perceptions of cohesion among members of a collegiate women’s soccer team and upon the performance of the team. After each of several activities, team members were asked to complete a survey of attitude towards their personal performance and towards the efforts of their fellow team members. A single group pre-test posttest design was used to compare responses to the survey before and after the activities occurred. The null hypothesis that perceptions of cohesion will not increase following activities designed to improve bonding was not supported. However, there was some evidence that players’ satisfaction with their own performance and with the team increased slightly as team building activities were implemented. Additional study of the impact of bonding activities upon team performance is recommended.