Functions of Group

People belong to many groups at the same time — students' association, sports team, music club, religious group.​ This raises the question: why do we join groups?​ Groups serve several important functions for individuals.​

Fulfilling Needs

• The major objective of joining a group is to fulfil social and psychological needs.​
• Key needs include achievement, affiliation, safety, power, and approval.
• Most needs are fulfilled through membership in one or more groups.

​Achieving Complex Goals

• Some goals are too complex to achieve alone.​
• People seek help from others to achieve such goals.​
• Others also depend on them for support — this is mutual help/give-and-take.​
• This cycle of cooperation keeps people in groups.

Gaining Knowledge and Information

• Groups are the most significant sources of knowledge and information.
• We learn from family, peer groups, neighbourhoods, clubs, societies, and institutions.​
• Knowledge gained through group association is called social learning.
• Bandura stated that more than 70% of knowledge comes through social learning.

Developing a Positive Self-Concept

• In a group, a person's behaviour is evaluated against the group's norms and values.
• Conforming to norms leads to positive reinforcement (praise, acceptance) from the group.
• This builds a positive social identity and positive self-concept.
• Membership in multiple groups provides varied experiences that build confidence.
• These experiences help the individual handle problems and difficulties in life.

• Fulfilling Needs: Groups satisfy social and psychological needs like achievement, affiliation, safety, and approval.
• Achieving Goals: People join groups to accomplish complex goals that are difficult to achieve alone.
• Gaining Knowledge: Groups provide important knowledge and information through interaction.
• Social Learning: According to Bandura, much learning happens through observing others in groups.
• Positive Self-Concept: Being part of a group builds confidence and a positive self-identity.