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

Interviewer: Let's examine the commitment levels of our group members. I'll start by interviewing you, Lerato.

Lerato: Sure, go ahead!

Interviewer: Based on your perspective, it seems like your commitment to the group can be classified as normative commitment. Can you elaborate on that?

Lerato: Absolutely. I feel like I have to contribute to the group because we were assigned together for this project. In a way, I see it as my obligation. I believe that working with you all is the only way I can complete this module successfully and boost my grades. For example, I make sure to attend all our meetings and complete my assigned tasks, even when I may not feel like it, simply because I feel I have to.

Interviewer: That makes sense! Now let me ask about your commitment level. I would categorize my commitment as affective commitment, because I genuinely enjoy working with you all and feel a sense of belonging to the group.

Lerato: I see! Can you provide a practical example of that?

Interviewer: Sure! I always look forward to our meetings because I appreciate the collaboration and bring in my ideas for discussion. For instance, after our last brainstorming session, I felt a rush of excitement about the creative direction we came up with together. It motivates me to put in extra effort, like staying late to help finalize our presentation slides, because I want to see our group succeed as well.

Interviewer: Now, let’s interview another member. How about Thabo? Thabo, can you share your thoughts?

Thabo: Yes, I’d consider my commitment to be calculative commitment. I weigh the pros and cons of our group’s work and am focused on how it will impact my overall outcome in this course.

Interviewer: Interesting! Could you give an example of how this affects your participation in the group?

Thabo: Of course. I pay careful attention to how much effort I put into this group project because I know that my grades depend on how well we perform collectively. For instance, I tend to do extra research and ensure my sections are strong because if the project fails, it could negatively affect my grades.

Interviewer: That’s a useful perspective! Lastly, let's welcome Zinzi. What type of commitment would you say you have?

Zinzi: I believe my commitment is a mix of both affective and calculative. I care about the group’s success emotionally, but I also recognize the practical implications of our work.

Interviewer: Can you back that up with a practical example?

Zinzi: Absolutely! I often find myself encouraging our team when we face challenges, which shows my emotional investment. However, I also calculate our timelines and tasks to ensure we meet our deadlines without compromising quality. For instance, during our last meeting, I suggested we break down our tasks to not only stay organized but also to maximize our efficiency, aligning with both our emotional morals and practical needs.

Interviewer: Thank you everyone! This discussion has shown the diverse commitment styles we bring to our group, which ultimately enhances our collaboration.