The mediating role of cohesion in the leader behavior–satisfaction relationship

Purpose: To determine if cohesion serves as a mediator between leader behavior and participant satisfaction. Participants: Ninety enrolled in recreational exercise programs. Method: Longitudinal with preferences for leadership behavior assessed in the initial stages of the exercise experience, both cohesion and perceptions of leadership behavior assessed in the middle stages, and satisfaction at the termination of the exercise program. Each participant was assessed on cohesion (individual attractions to the group-task and -social, group integration-task and -social), class leader behaviors (commitment to service quality, interpersonal interaction, and task interaction), and satisfaction (satisfaction with involvement and satisfaction with service). Results: For respondents scoring high in preferences for commitment to service quality, individual attraction to the group-task served to mediate the relationship between the leader behavior of perceived commitment to service quality and satisfaction with involvement. For respondents scoring high in preferences for task interaction, individual attraction to the group-task served to mediate the relationship between the leader behavior of perceived task interaction and satisfaction with service. For respondents scoring low in preferences for task interaction, individual attraction to the group-task served to mediate the relationship between the leader behavior of perceived task interaction and satisfaction with service. Conclusion: Individual attraction to the group-task was the most salient mediator. Strategies to promote task cohesion and satisfaction need consideration.