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The concept of heterogeneity – the presence of differences – is discussed briefly here to help us become conscious that each individual member of the group represents a certain potential in the group. A group must learn to recognize and mobilize all the resources within and is to move toward its goals. If we are to make the most of our potential, we first must know what the potential is. In many cases we have unique member resources that we do not tap because we are not aware that they exist.

The group must serve its members just as the members should serve the group. Specific interests or problems of group members must be known if the group as a unit is to “grow.” We often can understand interest, lack of interest, personally centered activity, or aggression if we recognize the heterogeneous composition of the group. Group heterogeneity may also place limitations on the objectives, techniques, and accomplishments of the group. The crux is that we must recognize that we have some degree of heterogeneity in all groups and learn to understand these differences from the point of view of how they might be harnessed for greatest group productivity.

We tend to group ourselves on both the informal and formal level on a relatively homogeneous basis – a basis of similarities – according to such characteristics as interests, status, intelligence, and occupation. However, even within these relatively homogeneous groups there is a great degree of heterogeneity – differences – when compared on the basis of such characteristics as age, moral standards, formal education, and values. Groups which take the time to analyze their resources from the point of view of both their homogeneity and heterogeneity make better use of their group potential and reach higher productivity. It also seems true that once the group recognizes the uniqueness of individuals they can better integrate those individuals into the group and better utilize their potentials for the common good. Furthermore, group members working together over time tend to become more homogeneous in interests, objectives, and satisfactions.

What About Your Group?

1. Do members of the group have different backgrounds, values, interests, abilities, and skills?
2. Are these differences taken into account in group planning?
3. Are relevant differences harnessed and put to work to aid in group progress?
4. Do differences lead to conflict?
5. Is the group becoming so homogeneous that it is overconservative and tradition-bound?
6. Can new members and different points of view be integrated into the group so as to improve group functioning?