Why Do People Join Groups?
 
Security

By joining a group, individuals can reduce the insecurity of “standing alone.” People feel stronger, have fewer self- doubts, and are more resistant to threats when they are part of a group.
 
Status
 
Inclusion in a group that is viewed as important by others provides recognition and status for its members.
 
Self-Esteem
 
Groups can provide people with feelings of self-worth.   That is, in addition to conveying status to those outside the group, membership can also give increased feelings of worth to the group members themselves.
 
Affiliation
 
Groups can fulfill social needs.  People enjoy the regular interaction that comes with group membership.  For many people, these interactions are their primary source for fulfilling their needs for affiliation.
 
Power
 
What cannot be achieved individually often becomes possible through group action.  There is power in numbers.
 
Goal Achievement
 
There are times when it takes more than one person to accomplish a particular task-there is a need to pool talents, knowledge, or power in order to complete a job.  In  such instances, management will rely on the use of a formal group

Groups versus Individuals
 
If tension is inevitable in group discussions, why not have individuals plan the solutions to all problems?  The benefits of having a group tackle a problem outweigh the costs in time and tensions, just as the benefits of marriage can outweigh the costs.  Whereas in marriage the greatest rewards come from having your needs for belonging and affection met, in groups they come from the quality of the group’s solution.
 
Research into the effectiveness of solutions developed by small groups, compared to those planned by individuals acting alone, has shown groups are far more superior for solving most types of problems.  Groups tend to do much better than individuals when there are several solutions possible.  For example: What benefits should be available to employees?  Which of the five applicants is best for the position?  How can health care for the elderly be improved?

Problems Suitable for a Group
 
1.   The problem is complex; one person is not likely to have all  relevant  information.
 
2.   There are several acceptable solutions, and one known best solution does not exist.
 
3.   Acceptance of the solution by those who are affected is critical.
 
4.   Sufficient time exists for a group to meet, discuss, and analyze the problem.
 
 

When a Group is a Good Choice
 
For several reasons, groups, working on problems with several solutions typically make higher quality decisions than do individuals.  Groups usually have a much larger number of possible solutions from which to choose.  Group members can help each other to think critically by correcting each other’s information, assumptions and opinions.  Several people can often think of issues to be handled in the process of solving a problem that might be overlooked by another member.  In addition, several people can come together with more thorough research than one person working alone.  A further advantage is that group members who are actively involved in planning or discussing usually understand the topic better and work harder to make sure that it works.  In addition, people are more likely to accept a solution they have had a hand in creating.  No plan for dealing with a problem or performing a task is better than the willingness to make it work on the part of those who must do the work or live with the results.  Satisfaction, loyalty, and commitment tend to be higher when people have a voice.
 

Why Groups Can Make Better Decisions Than Individuals
 
1. Groups have more information available about the problem and are less likely to        
    omit something of importance.
 
2. Groups can get more investigative research and other work done.
 
3. Group members can correct each other’s misinformation, erroneous assumptions, and
    invalid reasoning.
 
4. Groups can think of more suggestions, ideas, and alternatives from which to choose or
    create a solution.
 
5. Group participation fosters loyalty to the solution and makes implementation easier and
    faster.

In summary, groups offer an excellent vehicle for performing many of the steps in making a decision.  They are a source of tremendous input for information gathering.  If the group is composed of individuals with diverse backgrounds, the alternatives generated should be more extensive and the research more critical.  When the final solution is agreed upon, there are more people in a group decision to support and implement it.