The effects of fun and perceived congruence on group cohesion : modeling college hazing

Abstract

Research on college initiations has mainly explored how painful hazing activities promote group cohesion among the initiates. However, we propose that fun and perceived congruence can also lead to higher group cohesion. In a 2 (fun, no-fun) x 2 (congruence, incongruence) design, we empirically investigated the effects of fun activities and perceived congruence on group cohesion. The total of 88 undergraduate students (33 males, 55 females) were randomly allocated into each of the four conditions. In groups of 4 to 6 members, they participated in group activities before completing a questionnaire on group cohesion. Specifically, two aspects of group cohesion were measured: member attraction and group attraction. A MANOVA analysis revealed a positive effect of fun on group cohesion. However, no effects of perceived congruence nor interaction were found. Subsequent follow-up tests indicated that fun increased only member attraction, but not group attraction. This suggests that fun activities can lead to higher group cohesion by increasing inter-member attraction, but not by inducing individuals’ identification to the group. Given that the major aim of initiation ceremonies is to promote friendship among newcomers, our results imply that fun activities can replace painful hazing to achieve the same bonding purpose.