1.2.3. Interview one another and identify each member’s type of commitment to the group. Validate your answer with practical examples. (4)

Question

Hint: Lerato (normative commitment): Because we were assigned to the groups, she believes that she has no choice but to work with us and that this is the only thing that can help her pass the module.

Answer 1

To analyze the types of commitment among group members, here’s an example of how to interview and validate the types of commitment for three hypothetical group members: Lerato, Sipho, and Thandi.

Example Interview Findings

1. Lerato - Normative Commitment

   • Description: Lerato expresses a sense of obligation to stay in the group. She believes that she is assigned to the group, and her participation is crucial for her to succeed in the course.
   • Practical Example: Lerato consistently attends meetings and does her assigned tasks but often mentions, “I have to do this group work since it’s the only way I can pass this module.” This reflects her belief that staying in the group is not a choice but a necessity for her academic success.

2. Sipho - Affective Commitment

   • Description: Sipho is deeply engaged and emotionally attached to the group and its members. He values the camaraderie and collaboration and feels a real connection with his peers.
   • Practical Example: Sipho often initiates group discussions, encourages others, and goes out of his way to help fellow members. He stated, “I love working with all of you. It makes the project fun, and I genuinely believe in what we’re doing here.” This shows he is committed to the group because he values his relationships and the collective goal.

3. Thandi - Continuance Commitment

   • Description: Thandi is committed to the group mainly because of the perceived costs of leaving. She benefits from the group dynamic (such as shared workload) and believes that it would be too difficult to start over with a new group.
   • Practical Example: Thandi often remarks, “I really don’t want to join another group. It’s just too much work to find new people, and I’d rather stay with you guys.” She participates in the group but does so more out of a fear of disrupting her routine or losing her benefits than out of genuine enthusiasm for the group.

Summary

• Lerato demonstrates normative commitment by feeling an obligation to participate for academic survival.
• Sipho shows affective commitment through his emotional investment and enjoyment of group dynamics.
• Thandi reflects continuance commitment, valuing the stability of the current group due to the perceived costs of change.

Through this interview and validation process, each member’s type of commitment is illustrated with practical examples, highlighting their motivations and perspectives regarding their contributions to the group.