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whether or not we will join the group. Instead, our decision is based on two factors: our comparison

level, and our comparison level for alternatives (Kelley & Thibaut,1978)

In John Thibaut and Harold Kelley's social exchange theory, comparison level is the standard by

which an individual will evaluate the desirability of becoming a member of the group and forming

new social relationships within the group (Kelley & Thibaut,1978). This comparison level is

influenced by previous relationships and membership in different groups. Those individuals who

have experienced positive rewards with few costs in previous relationships and groups will have a

higher comparison level than a person who experienced more negative costs and fewer rewards in

previous relationships and group memberships. According to the social exchange theory, group

membership will be more satisfying to a new prospective member if the group's outcomes, in terms

of costs and rewards, are above the individual's comparison level. As well, group membership will

be unsatisfying to a new member if the outcomes are below the individual's comparison level

(Kelley & Thibaut,1978).

Comparison level only predicts how satisfied a new member will be with the social

relationships within the group (Forsyth, 2006). To determine whether people will actually join or

leave a group, the value of other, alternative groups needs to be taken into account (Forsyth, 2006).

This is called the comparison level for alternatives. This comparison level for alternatives is the

standard by which an individual will evaluate the quality of the group in comparison to other

groups the individual has the opportunity to join. Thibaut and Kelley stated that the "comparison

level for alternatives can be defined informally as the lowest level of outcomes a member will

accept in the light of available alternative opportunities” (p. 21) (Thibaut & Kelley, 1986).

Joining and leaving groups is ultimately depends on the comparison level for alternatives,

whereas member satisfaction within a group depends on the comparison level (Forsyth, 2006). To

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