Affinity group

Affinity group is formal or informal group of people with similar interest, for example hobby, policy, social clubs, writing circles. People which belong to affinity group must have a lot in common. That kind of group must have non-commercial goals and have not political connection. Members of the affinity group discuss matters of shared identity (C. Segal 2013, p. 743-779). They can be friends or strangers. Some affinity groups ale more formal and organized, may have a hierarchy for long term-interests or to transfer responsibilities to other members, but some affinity groups are non-hierarchical. Affinity groups started to work in XIX and XX century in Spain, during the anarchist movement. Later groups of people formed regional federation. The purpose of affinity group includes two categories, emotional and instrumental. Groups can provide an emotional support, thanks to relationships built in affinity groups, people feel less lonely with their emotions and feel better with themselves (J. Parsons, K. Ridley 2012, p. 40). Affinity groups may include people which share the same identity characteristic, for example African American affinity group. In that affinity all members must identify as African American (M. Lambertz-Berndt 2016). Membership of affinity groups can be close or open. Membership include supporters who care about equal rights, racial equality, gender. Sometimes groups with basis of affinity are better with support than groups which do not share the same bonds. Common bond in affinity group can be ideology, interest, skills, problems. Some affinity groups charge fees. Outside a workplace, affinity groups also fulfill the tasks as a support group (L. Goldberg 1990). Due to the emotional motives raised by the allied groups, participants can share their identity traits (M. Conger 2012, p. 87). People gathering in one place and one time feel united. Affinity groups forming in workplaces provides employees a convenient place to meet and share ideas outside the office. They share a common identity, defined by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or shared extra-organizational values or interests. Affinity groups appeared in big companies in 70's. Affinity groups can take many forms. Discrimination or separation from others in the workplace can lead to the unification of people, create an affinity group.

What is good about affinity groups?

Work in affinity groups may be much more productive, enjoyable, and can develop members as well as entire organization. There are other advantages, including:

• employees need a place for support for identity and discuss about workplaces, make relationships, facilitate positive identity exploration, self-awareness, pride, and self-esteem
• in affinity group everyone is equal
• thanks to the fact that everyone can make a decision, everyone feels responsible for the group and involved
• another important aspect in the work of affinity groups is the fact that they have autonomy and operate on their own.

Examples of Affinity group

• Student Clubs: Students form affinity groups based on common interests, such as academic, political, or social. These clubs provide students with a place to meet and discuss their shared interests, and to work on projects together.
• Hobbyists: People who share a particular hobby or interest often form affinity groups to share tips, discuss ideas, and collaborate on projects. This can be anything from a knitting circle to a book club, or a photography club.
• Professional Organizations: Professional organizations are formed to provide support and advocacy for people working in particular fields. These organizations often provide members with resources, networking opportunities, and a sense of solidarity with others in the same field.
• Social Movements: Social movements are organized to advocate for social justice and to bring about systemic change. Examples of social movements include the civil rights movement, the feminist movement, and the labor movement.
• Online Communities: Online communities are formed around shared interests and provide a space for people to connect and discuss their shared interests. Examples of online communities include Reddit, Facebook groups, and other online forums.

Advantages of Affinity group

Affinity groups offer a wide range of advantages to members. Firstly, they are a great way to connect with people who have similar interests and ideas. Secondly, they can provide support and assistance in times of need and can also be a source of new ideas and inspiration. Thirdly, they can help to strengthen ties within the group, as well as provide a sense of purpose and direction. Finally, they can help to build community and create a safe space for members to express themselves.

Limitations of Affinity group

One of the main limitations of affinity groups is the difficulty to maintain a long-term commitment from members. *Firstly, the lack of organizational structure can lead to a lack of accountability among members, which can lead to inefficiency and a lack of focus. *Secondly, since the group is typically composed of volunteers, members can be unreliable or unwilling to contribute due to personal matters or other commitments. *Thirdly, since the group is not a formal organization, it can be difficult to gain access to resources or financial support from outside sources. *Fourthly, the lack of formal membership can also lead to difficulty in expanding the group’s reach or scope. *Finally, the informal nature of the group can make it hard to reach consensus on important matters, leading to disagreements and tensions among members.

Other approaches related to Affinity group

Other approaches related to Affinity groups include:

• Cooperative efforts: Affinity groups often collaborate with other organizations and individuals to build networks and share resources. For example, an affinity group may join a regional federation to gain access to additional resources or to support larger-scale projects.
• Social media: Affinity groups can use social media platforms to connect with other members, discuss ideas, and organize events.
• Advocacy: Affinity groups can use their collective voice to advocate for social justice causes. This can include participating in protests, writing letters to government representatives, and educating the public about an issue.
• Education: Affinity groups can create educational materials and host workshops to spread awareness about their cause and engage with the public.

In summary, other approaches related to Affinity groups include cooperative efforts, social media, advocacy, and education. These approaches help to build networks, share resources, advocate for causes, and educate the public.

Affinity group — recommended articles

Third sector — Informal groups — Ethnic tourism — Social bond — Informal communication — Beta alpha psi — Complementary relationships — Mary Parker Follett — Sense of community — Production function

References

• Conger M. (2012), The role of personal values in social entrepreneurship, Patterns in Social Entrepreneurship Research, Edward Elgar Publishing Limited
• Goldberg L. (1990), Personality Processes and Individual Differences. An Alternative "Description of Personality": The Big-Five Factor Structure, Journal of personality and social psychology, University of Oregon and Oregon Research Institute
• Lambertz-Berndt M. (2016), Communicating Identity in the Workplace and Affinity Groups Spaces, Theses and Dissertations, 1169
• Parsons J., Ridley K. (2012), Identity, Affinity, Reality: Making the Case for Affinity Groups in Elementary School, Independent School, v71 n2
• Segal C. (2013), Misbehaviour, Education and Labour Market Outcomes, Journal of the European Economic Association vol.11, i.4

Author: Aleksandra Marcinkowska, Paulina Jurusik, Justyna Niemiec