Understanding Social Groups

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Understanding Social Groups
I belong to a reading club where we meet weekly to discuss a book that we all have read. One of the factors that make us seem like a group is the perception we all share of similarity because of the books we read and analyze (Stangor 479). Secondly, we communicate frequently and interact at least once a week. Lastly, we all identify with the group. All of us choose to continue being members of the reading group because we feel content in the activities we pursue together.
I think the social identity in some specific groups is well-built because all the members feel good about the outcomes of their membership (Stangor 481). This experience is crucial in shaping the behavior of particular members. They will enjoy the group activities and make plans to collaborate often. Additionally, the members have a sense of pride in their social group. As a result, they will ensure all group activities are carried out in an organized and careful manner.
One factor that contributed to the problems which led to group loss was difficulties in coordination and motivation (Stangor 494). The members continually had issues working together on projects. Another factor was the constant pressure from some members to conform to the group mentality. As many of us identified strongly with the group, we expected all members to agree with the decisions made. Thirdly, there was ineffective communication between the group members. Information pertinent to the group was hardly shared with all the members.

The disastrous consequences of both events could have been avoided. The scientists at NASA pressured their colleagues to conform to the group mentality. Since most of them wanted to launch the satellite, they urged the hesitant parties to agree with the decision made (Stangor 502). Secondly, the members avoided discussing all the information the scientists had. Those who had received first-hand data used their advantage to pressure the rest to conform to their poor judgment.
John, Warren, Billy, and Sarah could have performed better if they had improved their communication and information sharing techniques. The members failed to meet because none of them knew who was responsible for setting up a meeting. If they had created adequate information sharing, they would have had plenty of time to work on the project as a team. Also, they would have had time to tackle any issues the members may have had regarding the work they had been assigned.
Work Cited
Stangor, Charles. Principles of Social Psychology. BCcampus Open Textbook Project, 2014.