The Differential Effect of Team Cohesion and Leadership Behavior in High School Sports
Author(s): Nicholas P. Murray
Abstract: The present study examined the directional relationship of coaching behavior, team cohesion and performance in high school sports. Nine high school soccer and Nine high school baseball teams (N= 320) completed the Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) and the perception version of the Leadership Scale for Sport. The GEQ was administered at the beginning and the end of regular season where as the LSS was administered only at the end of regular season. Results indicated that baseball and soccer coaches who had athletes report higher levels of task and social cohesion rated highest in positive feedback and training instruction. Logistic regression analysis revealed that successful soccer teams tend to be more task cohesion, and successful baseball teams tend to be less task cohesive. Overall, the findings support the significant relationship between team cohesion and leadership behavior, and highlight the interdependence in team sports, which can significantly affect the need for team cohesion that contributes to team success.
Pages: 216-225
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