The relation between demographic descriptors and soldier-perceived cohesion and motivation

This article addresses the relation of demographic variables, especially ra cial and ethnic group membership, to unit cohesion, soldier motivation, and unit performance. Data were obtained by questionnaire from 955 soldiers fr om 60 light infantry platoons. Comparisons were made between White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian soldiers in terms of their perceived cohesion and indiv idual motivation. Comparisons were made dependent on whether the soldier ha d Black or White leaders. A comparison was made between the percentage of W hite soldiers in a platoon (i.e., racial and ethnic homogeneity) and platoo n performance. No major effects were found for soldier racial and ethnic gr oup or for the percentage of Whites in a platoon. No relation was found bet ween marital status, the existence of children, or housing location and per ceived cohesion and motivation. Results indicate that leadership and intrag roup dynamics appear to be the dominant influences on unit cohesion and sol dier motivation.