People join groups for a number of reasons. Some group members are motivated by working in group and others are motivated by creating interpersonal relationships with other members of the group. However, the possible reasons for which people join in groups are discussed below:
Group Synergy: Group synergy refers to the idea that two heads (or more) are better than one. There is a saying, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” which also refers to group synergy Groups are often capable of performing higher quality work and making belief decisions than an individual can make alone.
Support and Commitment: A group is generally always being more willing to undertake a large project that, would an individual. In addition to its improved ability to perform work, the group can provide encouragement and support to its members while working in a big project.
Interpersonal Needs: Individuals often join a group to meet their interpersonal needs. William Schutz has identified three such needs: inclusion, control, and affection.
- Needs for inclusion: Needs for inclusion is the need to establish self-identity with others.
- Needs for control: Needs for control is the need to exercise leadership and prove one’s abilities. Groups provide opportunities for this need. Some individuals do not want to be a leader. For them, groups provide the necessary control over aspects of their lives.
- Needs for affection: Needs for affection is the need to develop relationships with people. Group is an excellent way to make friends and establish relationship.
