Development of the Platoon Cohesion Index

Abstract : This report describes the development and properties of the PCI, a questionnaire that measures cohesion in Army platoons. Cohesion is conceptualized in terms of horizontal, vertical, organizational bonding. The PCI consists of 20 items that form 3 horizontal, 2 vertical, and 5 organizational bonding scales. Data were collected from 44 platoons of light and mechanized infantry from 2 posts. Analyses indicated moderate to high intra-scale, inter- scale, and scale-criterion correlations as well as predictive validity with platoon performance on field training exercises. The PCI is now available and is considered valid for use by company commanders and platoon leaders to assess cohesion in their platoons. (KR)