The development of a multidimensional measure of cohesion for organizational work teams

The research aim was to develop a theoretically-grounded and psychometrically-sound measure of organizational work team cohesion. Carron, Widmeyer and Brawley's (1985) context-independent conceptual model capturing task, social, team and individual dimensions of cohesion was extended to include the context-dependent dimensions 'valued roles', 'unity of purpose', 'vertical' and 'horizontal' cohesion; identified from existing literature and a subject matter experts (SMEs) focus group. This extended model provided the a priori basis for development of the Multidimensional Team Cohesion Scale (MTCS). The MTCS was found to have good content validity with two samples of SMEs and work team representatives. Items were reduced from 219 to 103 using item analytic correlation methods (N=204). Psychometric properties of the MTCS were examined through reliability and construct validity analysis in work teams (N=214). MTCS subscales had excellent reliability a >.75. Evidence of convergent and divergent validity was obtained through correlation analysis against the GEQ (convergent validity), Reichman's (1998) Team Performance Questionnaire (TPQ) and Cammann, Fichman, Jenkins and Klesh's (1983) Overall Job Satisfaction Scale (MOAQ-JSS) (divergent validity). MTCS subscales differentially correlated with team performance and job satisfaction (differential validity). A paired t test applied to a repeat sample (N=90) was used to test differences in cohesion before and after a major reorganization. Independent-sample t tests were conducted to examine differences according to individual- and team level characteristics. Subscale differences across age and position (team leader vs. team member) were identified. The factorial validity of the MTCS, examined using principal axis factoring (PAF) and oblimin rotation could not be established due to an insufficient sample size. A norm-referenced scoring mechanism was derived to support interpretation of MTCS scores. The comprehensive methodology adopted in this research and evidence of construct validity provides a sound basis for the continued validation of the MTCS and indicates its practical utility in occupational settings.