Cohesiveness vs. Cohesion — What's the Difference?

Cohesion and cohesiveness both relate to the concept of elements sticking together, but they are used in different contexts. Cohesion typically refers to the way in which different parts of a text are connected to each other. It’s about how sentences and ideas flow in a piece of writing. On the other hand, cohesiveness is about the property of a material or group that enables it to resist being pulled apart, often used in a social or scientific context.

In a literary context, cohesion ensures that a story progresses logically, with each sentence linking to the next. Cohesiveness, however, would be more about the group dynamics among characters in a narrative and their ability to stick together through challenges. Cohesiveness reflects the strength of relationships and mutual commitments within a social group or narrative cast.

From a structural perspective, cohesion refers to the forces that hold a substance together, such as the cohesion of water molecules due to hydrogen bonding. Conversely, cohesiveness can be seen in the way a team or group operates, implying their collective resistance to separation or their unity of purpose.

In team dynamics, cohesion might be discussed in terms of shared goals and a clear vision that aligns the team members. Cohesiveness, in this setting, would refer to the quality of interaction and the bond that makes the team operate as a single entity. The stronger the cohesiveness, the more effectively a team can work together.

When editing a document, an editor looks for cohesion in the text, ensuring clarity and logical flow. For a project manager, cohesiveness within the project team is paramount, as it can determine the success or failure of a project. Cohesiveness here would translate into the team's overall synergy and performance effectiveness.