Relative importance of social needs in task group selection

Abstract

Social Identity Theory and Optimal Distinctiveness Theory are two main theoretical models relevant to explanation of identification with task groups. It is argued that even though these theories have some validity, both of them ignore the importance of the need for care which is manifested by striving to contribute to the task group and is the central motivational factor in identification with task groups. To test this proposition, a study was conducted to assess a relative importance of optimal distinctiveness, self-esteem, and contribution motives for the choice of task groups. The research subjects were university students, 37 females (mean age 19,92 years) and 27 males (mean age 20,44 years) among them. A situation, in which they had to choose groups depending on their distinctiveness, prestige, and opportunity to contribute to the group results, was described to them. The results indicate that all three factors have an independent, motivating value. Of the three, the opportunity to contribute to group results was the most important factor, followed by group prestige and distinctiveness.