Final answer:
Indispensability in a group occurs when individual members feel that their contributions are vital, leading to increased motivation and participation. It contrasts with the free rider problem, where individuals benefit from the group's effort without contributing, often causing collective action problems.
Step-by-step explanation:
Indispensability within a group context occurs when individual members feel their contributions to the team are important. Indispensability is linked to higher motivation and a greater likelihood to contribute to the group's effort. This is often seen when tasks are complex and challenging, as it prompts a sense of necessity for individual input.
Contrastingly, the free rider problem arises when individuals in a group do not contribute but still benefit from the collective work. This can lead to collective action problems where a group struggles to work productively due to insufficient individual contributions. Solutions include peer pressure, monitoring for free riders, and creating social solidarity to encourage contributions. However, resolving these issues can be more challenging in large groups or political contexts due to the difficulty in identifying and managing free riding.
Individual freedom within a group is crucial as well; it allows members to express their ideas and work in ways that best fit their capabilities, adding value to the group's collective output. Balancing individual freedom with responsibility ensures that each member contributes while not feeling constrained by the group's demands.