Abstract
Cohesion is a multidimensional construct that concerns group members’ perceptions of unity relative to task objectives and interpersonal relationships (Eys & Beauchamp, under review). The importance of cohesion in sport may be inferred through associations with key individual (e.g., role commitment; Coleman et al., 2021) and group-oriented correlates (e.g., collective efficacy; González-Ponce et al., 2015). Coaches are critical toward developing cohesion as their behaviours influence group dynamics (Juntumaa et al., 2007). Coaches who possess humility may be influential by accepting feedback, appreciating others’ abilities, and maintaining an accurate self-view. Leaders’ expression of humility may also be associated with their group’s expression of this characteristic (i.e., collective humility; Owens & Hekman, 2016). The present study aimed to determine if athletes’ perceptions of coach humility relate to group cohesion mediated by collective humility. Athletes’ (N = 259; 126 females; Mage = 17.52) perceptions were obtained at two points in their competitive season, approximately six weeks apart (Mdays = 47.29). Two mediation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro (model 4) to examine if the relationship between leader humility and cohesion (i.e., task and social) was mediated by collective humility. Results indicated that leader humility was associated with both task (standardized IE = .21, SE = .04, 99% BCIs [.09, .33], p < .001) and social cohesion (standardized IE= .14, SE = .03, 99% BCIs [.06, .22], p < .001), mediated by collective humility. These results suggest that coach and collective humility were salient perceptions relative to athletes’ perceptions of team cohesion.
