CMST 2064 Chapter : Chapter 3 Textbook Notes
Chapter 3: Group Membership
Group Member Needs
• Most of us join groups because they satisfy specific needs.
• Although many psychologists have studied human needs and offered theories to explain
their impact, the work of Will Schutz focuses on the interpersonal needs of group
members.
o His work explains why we join, stay in, and leave groups.
Schutz’s Theory of Interpersonal Needs
• Willian Schutz developed a Fundamental Interpersonal Relationship Orientation (FIRO)
Theory that focuses on three needs that most of us share to some degree: the need for
inclusion, for control and for affection.
o We join groups in order to satisfy one or more of these needs.
• Ideal group members meet these needs by finding a balance between two extremes.
The Need for Inclusion
• An inclusion need represents our desire to belong, to be involved, and to be accepted.
• When a group meets a member’s inclusion need, the result is what Schutz calls a social
member – a person who enjoys working with people but it also comfortable working
alone.
• When inclusion needs are not met, member do not feel accepted.
o An undersocial member feels unworthy or undervalued by the group and may
withdraw and become a loner.
▪ Because these people believe that no one values them, they try not to be
noticed and thus avoid being hurt.
o An oversocial member tries to attract attention to compensate for feelings of
inadequacy.
▪ They try to impress member with what and whom they know.
The Need for Control
• Control need refers to whether we feel competent, confident, and free to make our
own decisions.
o The need for control is often expressed by a member who wants to be the
group’s leader.
• When a group meets a member’s control need, the result is what Schutz calls a
democratic member – a person who has no problems with power and control and who
feels just as comfortable giving orders as taking them.
o Excellent leaders
• Unmet control needs can result in the emergence of an abdicrat or an autocrat.
o An abdicrat wants control but is reluctant to pursue it.
▪ Submissive members
o The autocrat tries to take control by dominating the group.
▪ Criticize other members
▪ Force group decisions
The Need for Affection
• An affection need reflects our desire to be liked by others.
• When a group meets a member’s affection need, the result is what Schutz calls a
personal member – a person who has no emotional problems dealing with group
members.
• When affection needs are not met, members do not feel liked; they become
uncomfortable in the group setting.
• Reactions to this deficit fall into two categories:
o Underpersonal behavior
o Overpersonal behavior
• Underpersonal members believe no one likes them; they may establish only superficial
relationships with other members.
o They appear aloof and uninvolved.
• An overpersonal member tries to get close to everyone and seeks intimate friendships
despite the disinterest of other members.
o Such members are often too talkative, too personal, and too confiding.
Balance Individual and Group Needs
• Using Schutz’s FIRO theory to improve a group’s performance requires a balanced
approach that helps members meet both inclusion, control, and affection needs and the
group’s need for productive interaction.
Member Roles
• When a group member exhibits a unique set of skills or behavior patterns that serve
specific functions within the group, that member has assumed a role.
Benne and Sheats Functional Group Roles
• Members may temporarily adopt a role that suits a particular situation or may take on a
permanent role.
• The Benne and Sheats roles fall into three functional categories: group task roles, group
maintenance roles, and self-centered roles.
o Group task roles affect a group’s ability to achieve its common goal by focusing
on behaviors that help get the job done.
o Group maintenance roles affect how group members get along with one
another while pursuing a shared goal.
▪ They are concerned with building relationships and keeping the group
cohesive and cooperative.
Document Summary
Schutz"s theory of interpersonal needs: willian schutz developed a fundamental interpersonal relationship orientation (firo) Theory that focuses on three needs that most of us share to some degree: the need for inclusion, for control and for affection: we join groups in order to satisfy one or more of these needs. Ideal group members meet these needs by finding a balance between two extremes. Balance individual and group needs: using schutz"s firo theory to improve a group"s performance requires a balanced approach that helps members meet both inclusion, control, and affection needs and the group"s need for productive interaction. Member roles: when a group member exhibits a unique set of skills or behavior patterns that serve specific functions within the group, that member has assumed a role. Initiator-contributor a group member who proposes ideas and suggestions, provides direction for the group, and gets the group started: let"s begin by looking at the problem from the client"s point of view.
