Developing Group Identity

Although team climate develops from how people perceive the interrelationships among the
group members, a strong coach or leader can help influence the effective functioning of the
group. Furthermore, research has shown that strong social support provided by a group has
positive benefits, including aiding in physical and mental recovery. This exercise will allow you
to think of some ways that you, as a group leader, can help a group establish a strong sense of
group identity.

Instructions

1. Imagine that you have just become the coach of a basketball team or that you are leading a
group of clients in a cardiac rehabilitation program. You believe that things with the team or
clients would go better if the group developed an identity.

2. In the space provided, describe specific ways you would help a group form a sense of group
identity.

Developing Group Identity

a. Ways to enhance social support

- During a game you must enhance emotional support or listening support because you
can’t just give out tons of info because then they will not play fast
- And you must be confident in the info that you give, so that they will play behind you

b. Ways to increase proximity

- I would always room my athletes together to grow the brotherhood
- Also would incorporate team bonding activities such as cookouts, to grow the
brotherhood

c. Ways to increase group distinctiveness

- Pick a motto to live by for the year
- To have matching gear and t-shirts

d. Ways to create a perception of fairness

- Create an expectation sheet to show that everyone is held to the same standard

e. Ways to increase similarity

- Have short- and long-term goals
- Setup weekly personal goals

From R.S. Weinberg and D. Gould, 2019, Foundations of Sport 1

and Exercise Psychology Web Study Guide, 7E (Champaign, IL:
Human Kinetics).