Why Do People Join Groups?

 


What is a Group?

A group may be defined as two or more people, interacting and interdependent, who have come together to achieve a common goal.

Why do people join Groups?

In my opinion, there are a number of reasons why people join groups. Sometimes we join a group because we want to and sometimes it is mandatory to join a group such as a class assignment group. Some members of a group are motivated by working in a group and some are motivated by developing interpersonal relationships with other members.

However, the reasons why people join groups are discussed below:

1. Interpersonal needs - people often join groups to fulfil their interpersonal needs. William Schutz has given three such needs: Inclusion, control and affection.

  • Inclusion: The need for belonging. We all have a need for inclusion and groups can help us to some extent fulfil that need. Groups help us fulfil a desire to be recognized and understood by other people.

  • Control: we all have a need for control. Some measures of control over ourselves and others are beneficial, which is why control is always at play in one way or another. Some people desire to exercise leadership and prove one's potential and some individuals want guidance and direction. The group provide the opportunity to fulfil this need.

  • Affection: The need for affection drives people in various ways. Some people are natural caregivers who express lots of affection, and that's easy for them to do. And other people will sit back, and even though they desire it, they'll wait for someone else to break the ice and express affection to them. The group provides the opportunity to fulfil that desire.

2. Security - some individual join groups to feel secure, by joining a group, individuals can overcome the insecurity of "standing alone". People feel stronger and have fewer self-doubts and are more resistant to treats when they are part of a group.

3. Common goals - sometimes we join groups because we share similar interests
with other group members. Moral and practical support is gained by working with
others who have the same or similar interests.

4. Group synergy: Group synergy refers to the theory that two or more individuals are better than one. The theory suggests, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts". This also applies to group synergy Groups are often can do higher quality work and make decisions better than an individual can make alone.


Written By - Sukhvinder Gaur

Edited By - Vanshu Verma

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