The Persistence and Salience of Small Group Structures Within a Successful Athletic Team: A Case Study Over Time

Working out of a survey, observation, and sociometric research design, the authors attempted to establish the degree to which small groups existed and nor matively guided the behavior of their members in the context of the larger team environment. Sociometric measurement demonstrated the existence of several groups each apparently serving different constituencies. Further analysis of survery data and athletic performance suggested either that the individual members aligned their attitudinal orientations with their respective group affiliation, or the selec tion process included attitudinal and ideologcal criteria. Finally, it appeared that the athletic performance of the athlete was consistent with the performance expec tations of the group of identification. The implications of these findings for athletic contexts are discussed.