Why Do People Join Groups in a Organization
A small group is a combination of more than two people who are interdependent on one another.
So communication among the members of a group consisting of a small number of members is known as small group communication.
Every organization employs small groups to collect, process, and produce information, solve problems and make decisions.
Group communication helps to get a synergistic benefit. Synergy means combined efforts of a group result in greater output than the sum of the individual output.
That is, groups can do more for the individuals than the individuals can do for themselves.
People join groups for a number of reasons.
Some group members are motivated by working in a group and others are motivated by creating interpersonal relationships with other members of the group.
Main 3 reasons for people joining groups are;
- Interpersonal Needs.
- Group Synergy.
- Support and Commitment.
Reasons for which people join in groups are discussed below:
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. The group is an excellent way to make friends and establish relationships.
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 better 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 on a big project.
