Group Cohesion, Collective Efficacy, and Motivational Climate as Predictors of Conductor Support in Music Ensembles

Abstract

In the present study, we examined whether collective efficacy, group cohesion (task and social), and perceived motivational climate (task-involving and ego-involving orientations) in a music ensemble predict instrumentalists' perceived conductor support. Ninety-one (N = 91) skilled high school instrumentalists participated in the study. To assess the variables, participants responded to a number of surveys during rehearsals. It was hypothesized that instrumentalists' perceptions of collective efficacy, group cohesion, and a task-involving motivational climate cultivated by the conductor would predict conductor support. Results showed that, collectively, these variables accounted for 46% of the variance in instrumentalist perceptions of a supportive conductor. Findings of this study may provide guidance on how conductors can create learning environments that instill a strong sense of support for their instrumentalists.