People have always lived in groups. Basic unit group is the family, and then it extends to extended family relations , to tribe, community, district. Province, country. Then individuals during their course of life, individuals join different groups such was work groups, associations, church groups and list is endless. Almost every individual is associated with a group in some form or shape and they join these groups for various reasons.
Why people Join Groups.
Although, some groups are optional and for leisure purposes, there groups that are important to the individual being. Some groups does have implications on their livelihoods such as professionals groups, trade unions, and etc. Joining a group is more important particularly in a employment setting. According to Stephen P. Robbins, Rolf Berman and Ian Stag, in their Book “ Management”, there are five common reasons why individuals join a group. They join because of the need for security, status, self-esteem, affiliation and for power or goal achievement.
Security
“There is strength in numbers”, or “ united we stand, divided we fall”. By the individual joining the join, it reduces the risk of “standing alone”. With the group individuals feel stronger and draw strengths from each other. Have few self-doubts and are more resistant to threats. For example, workers unions and trade associations provide the platform for individuals to gather and present their common course towards a particular outcome.
In the traditional Papua New Guinea sense, tribal groups holds communities together, negotiate deals with neighboring tribes, resolve conflicts and maintain law and order in communities. Belonging to tribe also becomes important when it comes to electing Members of Parliament as votes are casted along tribal bloodlines and influence, regardless of PNG Constitution gives the individual his/her own right to choose a leader during elections.
Status
When people form a group and involve with bargaining for collective benefits, the group becomes a status symbol. In terms of individuals applying for jobs, their CVs would normally include some of their achievements and contributions toward a common goal of organization. This reflects their efforts in working in teams, collective decision making and etc. This is good because organizations always consist of different employees with varying differences in position rank, culture, personalities and etc.
Inclusion in a group that others view as important gives the individual the status and recognition to its members.
Self-Esteem
Groups can increase people’s feeling of self-worth. Individual’s view themselves as important when they are part of group that contributes meaningful outcomes. For example, those employees that are part of a decision making group within an organization. In fact, Organizational Board Members, Senior Management, Divisional Heads, are all labels of different decision-making groupings in an organization. Being in that group elevates self-esteem of individuals.
Affiliation
As the saying goes, “no man is an island”. Being in a group provides for the social need for affiliation and being part of. People enjoy the regular interactions that comes with group membership. In the workplace, people interact a lot among co-workers, group members and build up friendships and social relationships.
Power
One of the appealing aspects of groups is they represent power. What often cannot be achieved individually becomes possible through group action.
The group power not only places demand on others to act in their favour, but it can also be a counter measure to protect the group members from unreasonable demands by management, individuals and others.
For individuals who desire to influence others, groups can offer power without a formal position of authority in the organization.
For people with high power needs, groups can be a vehicle for fulfilment.
Goal Achievement
Some goals cannot be achieved a group’s input. There are times when it takes more than one person to accomplish a particular task; there is need to pool talents, knowledge or power in order to get a job completed. Therefore, whenever and individual have contributed valuable input towards a particular positive outcome, the individual feels valued and feels he/she has achieved his or her goal. Every individual brings unique skills sets and talents to a group. The group allows members to contribute to the best of their abilities and which can compliment each other’s shortfalls.
Final Word
Find a group, form group, join a group and contribute the best of your skills, talents and experiences. You never know, you will find strength, status and build your self-esteem and worth.
