TY - CHAP
T1 - The theory of relational cohesion
T2 - Review of a research program research program
AU - Thye, Shane R.
AU - Yoon, Jeongkoo
AU - Lawler, Edward J.
PY - 2002
Y1 - 2002
N2 - In this paper we analyze and review the theory of relational cohesion and attendant program of research. Since the early 1990s, the theory has evolved to answer a number of basic questions regarding cohesion and commitment in social exchange relations. Drawing from the sociology of emotion and modern theories of social identity, the theory asserts that joint activity in the form of frequent exchange unleashes positive emotions and perceptions of relational cohesion. In turn, relational cohesion is predicted to be the primary cause of commitment behavior in a range of situations. Here we outline the theory of relational cohesion, tracing its development through the present day, and summarize the corpus of empirical evidence for the theory's claims. We conclude by looking ahead to future projects and discussing some of the more general issues informed by our work.
AB - In this paper we analyze and review the theory of relational cohesion and attendant program of research. Since the early 1990s, the theory has evolved to answer a number of basic questions regarding cohesion and commitment in social exchange relations. Drawing from the sociology of emotion and modern theories of social identity, the theory asserts that joint activity in the form of frequent exchange unleashes positive emotions and perceptions of relational cohesion. In turn, relational cohesion is predicted to be the primary cause of commitment behavior in a range of situations. Here we outline the theory of relational cohesion, tracing its development through the present day, and summarize the corpus of empirical evidence for the theory's claims. We conclude by looking ahead to future projects and discussing some of the more general issues informed by our work.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=33645900902&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/S0882-6145(02)19006-0
DO - 10.1016/S0882-6145(02)19006-0
M3 - Chapter
AN - SCOPUS:33645900902
SN - 0762308982
SN - 9780762308989
T3 - Advances in Group Processes
SP - 139
EP - 166
BT - Advances in Group Processes
PB - JAI Press
ER -