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FAQs

When should I create a Group vs Subgroup?

Subgroups are always managed by a group. So if the work is happening as part of the group, you should create a subgroup. If the work is stand-alone, or if a project needs subgroups of its own, make it a group.

Uncertainty about how to structure groups and networks as they emerge and grow is normal! We anticipate needing to be able to convert one to the other - you can ask us to do that for you, or to archive your group or subgroup, if needed.

Here's a few ways to think about Groups vs Subgroups:

  • Does your space need further division into smaller groups that are more long-lasting than a few conversations? If so, make a group.
  • Does your space clearly belong within an existing group, where you collaborate with and/ or trust the leadership and collaboration practices? If so, make a subgroup.
  • Groups are often: formal organizations, external communities of an organization, networks with a clear purpose (and often a name and a brand), and informal communities of practice or place that want a space to learn and catalyze connection.
  • Subgroups are often: learning cohorts, topical discussion spaces, projects, or functional teams within a larger group context.

Creating group structures can be complex, but your Socialroots groups do not need to perfectly reflect reality. Just get started and change them as you find ways to better support making key information available to people in a given context.

We are also designing support for showing the relationships between groups, and enabling the creation of shared subgroups, that can appear in multiple groups. You found a stub! This is something we're still working on. Let us know here if you'd like us to prioritize this feature.

For more, here's a deeper dive into how we think about team health and the fundamentals of group dynamics. However, before creating any new structures, consider if you might want to start a new note to get the coordination you need done in that lighter container.

See these links for more detail about Groups and Subgroups on Socialroots.