Abstract:
Cohesion is one of the most prominent team variables considered fundamental to teams and team functioning. It is a more complex psychological construct with a multidimensional structure (i.e. it consists of multiple aspects that are taken together form cohesion). In terms of Input-Process-Output (IPO) models of team effectiveness, cohesion can be considered as the „process‟ that is affected by team inputs (e.g. team context and leadership style) and that in turn affects team outputs. Cohesion is considered important and enjoys continued research interest since it has a link with important team outcomes such as team success and performance. This link has been found in many team contexts including sports teams. However, the degree of cohesiveness of U-20 football team of athlete Tirunesh Dibaba Sport Training Center and its contribution to enhancing the performance of the team were not clear yet. The objective of the study was to assess the level of cohesiveness and the contributions of its cohesiveness in enhancing team performance in terms of win/loss record of the U-20 football team in the National U-20 Football Premier League of 2018/19 season. A mixed study design was employed to assess level of cohesion and its contribution towards promoting team performance among 46 players, 5 coaches and 2 technical officers of the U-20 football team of athlete Tirunesh Dibaba Sport Training Center, central Ethiopia in National U-20 Football Premier League of 2018/19 season using census sampling technique. Required data for evaluation of team cohesion was collected using pre-developed GEQ within proven reliability; and the expected performance of the team was assessed using team performance questionnaire containing 32 items in six subscales while the actual performance of the team was determined by analysis of win/lose records of the team on the National U-20 Football Teams‟ Premier League in the 2018/19 season. Collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistical methods of data analysis. However, collected qualitative data through interview questionnaire was analyzed using content method of data analysis. Necessary ethical clearances were obtained from concerned bodies. U-20 football team of athlete Tirunesh Dibaba Sport Training Center played 15 games; and it won five and lost five. The actual performance of the team stood at sixth out of ten. The level of team cohesion of U-20 football team of athlete Tirunesh Dibaba Sport Training Center was moderate in terms of social-, task- and overall-cohesion levels. Its cohesion contributed accordingly towards its actual performance. U-20 Football Team was socially cohesive at moderate level and also moderately task cohesive. Its level of overall cohesion was medium. The actual performance of the team was nearly moderate. Thus, there is a positive relationship between the degree of cohesion and actual performance. Necessary recommendations were also suggested.