Question

Attraction theory states people join groups because they like the group's activities and/or goals, the group itself, or one or more of its members. The work group members in the case study joined the group because their job required it. Does this make a difference? Why?

Answer 1

There exists a difference between "compelled" to join and "wanting" to join. According to Attraction Theory, the individual has an intrinsic motivation to join the group as he is interested in the same activities, goals as the group itself. However, work group members are formed together because they have the same skills and are put in the same group by a higher authority. Though they are not matched on an "attraction" basis, the group members could later understand each other and learn that they too have some form of attraction to each other. However, it can go the other way too as the group members may not be compatible on other forms other than solely work related.