Individuals are attracted to groups for various reasons related to the group's activities, goals, and membership. People may join groups because they enjoy the same activities as other members or are interested in the group's goals. Some individuals are motivated to join a group simply for the prestige of membership. Additional factors that shape individual behavior in groups include culture, gender, sexual orientation, and disabilities. An individual's self-concept and perception of their role in a group impacts how they interact with and relate to other members. Cultural dimensions like individualism versus collectivism also influence group dynamics and decision making approaches.

1. Understanding the
Individual:
Group
Attracti
on

2. 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.

3. Factors that attract people to a group:
Group Activities
Group Goals
Group Membership

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. What Shapes Individual Behavior in Groups?
In small groups, roles result from:
1. people’s expectations about their own behavior- our self-concept
2. 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.

10. Gender, Sexual Orientation

11. 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 communication
to accomplish some task and to assert their individuality”.

12. 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.

13. 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 backgrounds
of people within a country to the traditions of people in other
countries and regions of the world.

14. 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.

15. 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

16. 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.