Lewin’s detailed studies of groups and their dynamics led Lewin to develop ideas that not only inspired new fields of behavioral psychology but also influenced the management practices of organizations. Of particular importance were ‘cohesion’ – the processes that bind people together – and ‘commitment’ – the sense of belonging that leads people to act in ways that benefit others. A group to work as a cohesive unit must have a shared goal or vision, and the individual members must feel they are a vital part of the group.
Australian psychologist Elton John Mayo discovered that a hierarchy tends towards developing in any group and that a leadership structure may emerge – formally or informally — to encourage group cohesion. Good leaders recognize the different needs of the team: task requirements (what must be done to achieve objectives), group needs, such as promoting teamwork; and the individual needs of each member.
