The Relation Between Demographic Descriptors and Soldier-Perceived Cohesion and Motivation

Abstract

This article addresses the relation of demographic variables, especially racial and ethnic group membership, to unit cohesion, soldier motivation, and unit performance. Data were obtained by questionnaire from 955 soldiers from 60 light infantry platoons. Comparisons were made between White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian soldiers in terms of their perceived cohesion and individual motivation. Comparisons were made dependent on whether the soldier had Black or White leaders. A comparison was made between the percentage of White soldiers in a platoon (i.e., racial and ethnic homogeneity) and platoon performance. No major effects were found for soldier racial and ethnic group or for the percentage of Whites in a platoon. No relation was found between marital status, the existence of children, or housing location and perceived cohesion and motivation. Results indicate that leadership and intragroup dynamics appear to be the dominant influences on unit cohesion and soldier motivation.