Final answer:
Before starting a group intervention, it is critical to establish a shared group goal and align individual goals with the group's objective. This helps in fostering group unity and cohesion, which is essential for overcoming collective action problems and promoting successful outcomes for the group.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before starting a group intervention, it is important to establish a group goal and align individual goals with those of the group. This not only serves as a collective aim that bolsters group unity but also encourages individual members to harmonize their personal goals with the group's objective, thereby enhancing group cohesion. In contrast, skipping individual goal alignment to focus solely on group objectives may lead to collective action problems, as individual motivations could become contrary to the group's goals. Group leaders can play an essential role in this process by offering various incentives such as material, solidary, and purposive benefits, as highlighted by politicial scientist Robert Salisbury.
Therefore, among the options provided, 'A. Establish a group goal and align individual goals with those of the group' is an important step to take before starting a group intervention. This foundational step facilitates a cohesive approach in achieving shared objectives and overcomes potential collective action problems by promoting a sense of connection and responsibility among individual members. Conversely, option 'D. Skip individual goal alignment and focus solely on the group objective for efficiency' is less likely to be effective, as it can lead to disunity and hinder the overall success of the group.