Understanding the Individual:

Group Attraction

Individuals are not only attracted to a group because of the members who compose it but to the

group itself because of the group’s activities or goals, or there is a desire to be a part of that

group.

Factors that attract people to a group:

Group Activities

Group Goals

Group Membership

Group Activities

In a book by Shaw, it states that people who are interested in the same activities

tend to form groups.

Example: People who enjoy intellectual pursuits may join literary discussion groups

People may also join groups because they enjoy going to regular meetings; join group discussions regardless of the group’s specific aims or goals

The structure and human contact is rewarding both to the individual and the organization.

Group Goals If an individual thinks that the goals of

the group is similar to his own then he will be encouraged to join such group.

Group Membership

Sometimes, it is not the members or their activities that attract people but membership itself.

The reason could be that by being a member of that group will bring prestige, acceptance, or

professional benefits outside of the group.

What Shapes Individual Behavior in Groups?

  People join groups for many different reasons- - different interests; different motivations; and different expectations of the group.

There are many other factors that shape individual behavior in groups such as- culture and ethnic background; gender, sexual orientation; and disabilities.

Whether you choose to be in the group or you are in the group because of work, you will find yourself working together with different kinds of people. If you understand what motivates and affects individual behavior in a group then you will have an effective working relationships with them.

What Shapes Individual Behavior in Groups?

To understand others, we must first understand ourself. As we relate to others in small groups – our concept of self, who we think we are- affects our communication and relationships with other

group members.

Our self-perception will have an impact on how others relate to

you.

What Shapes Individual Behavior in Groups?

In small groups, roles result from:

1. people’s expectations about their own behavior- our self-concept2. the perceptions others have about the individual’s position in the group, and 3. people’s actual behavior as they interact with others.

It is important to understand how self-concept develops, how people come to learn who they think they are, because self-concept largely determines the role people assume in small groups.

Gender, Sexual Orientation

Gender is one important part of our self-concept.

Recent research suggests that psychological gender affects our behavior in groups. Research has supported gender differences that

“characterize women as using communication to connect with, support, and achieve closeness with others,

and men as using communicationto accomplish some task and to assert their individuality”.

Sexual orientation is another factor that is impoprtant in affecting his or her sense of self-concept as well as how he or she relates to others.

Although gays and lesbians are accepted and tolerated, negative prejudices continue to exist. This negative attitude have an effect on how a gay or a lesbian perceives him or herself.

Culture of origin- development of selfhood differs from culture to culture.

Different cultures foster different beliefs and attitudes about communication, status, nonverbal behavior and other interpersonal relations. Even the willingness to communicate in a group is influenced by culture.

Understanding cultural differences is essential to understanding behavior in small groups.

Cultural differences can stem from various ethnic backgroundsof people within a country to the traditions of people in other countries and regions of the world. 

Individualism CollectivismVS

Individualism, according to Geert Hofstede, is the “emotional independence from

groups, organizations, or other collectivities”

Individualistic culture value individual recognition more than group or team

recognition. They encourage self-actualization.

Collectivistic culture value group or team achievement more than those from the

individualistic culture.

Conversational Style

another cultural difference that affects groups.

Conversational norms may vary by culture.

 

Concept of Time

can vary very greatly from culture to culture which can

present challenges in groups

Individualistic Assumptions Collectivistic |Assumptions

The most effective decisions are made by individuals. The most effective decisions are made by teams

Planning should be centralized by the leaders. Planning is best done by all concerned.

Individuals should be rewarded. Groups or teams should be rewarded.

Individuals work primarily for themselves. Individuals work primarily for the team

Healthy competition between colleagues is more important than teamwork.

Teamwork is more important than competition.

Meetings are mainly for sharing information with individuals. Meetings are mainly for making group or team decisions.

To get something accomplished, you should work with individuals. To get something accomplished, you should work with the whole group or team.

A key objective in group meetings is to advance your own ideas. A key objective in group meetings is to reach a consensus or agreement.

Team meetings should be controlled by the leader or chair.Team meetings should allow all team members to bring up what they want.

Group or team meetings are often a waste of time. Group or team meetings are the best way to achieve a quality goal.