How to create a group contract?

To create a group contract, you want to include the following: Identify the purpose, members, roles, responsibilities and duties of the group members — and create a basic structure. Outline the ground rules for communication, meeting and decision-making processes, expectations, and consequences of non-compliance. Create timelines and deadlines for each task or project. Determine how decisions will be made — individually, by a majority vote, or unanimously. Describe required potential contributions, like time, money, and skills. Use PandaDoc’s group contract template to create a professional group contract in minutes!

What is a group contract?

A group contract is a binding document drafted by a group with a specific goal or project in mind. It could be a business agreement or a simple group project. Essentially, it’s an agreement laying out the purpose, goals, expectations, roles, and responsibilities of each group member. Group contracts create a sense of camaraderie and accountability among members while ensuring a standard level of professionalism. It reduces conflict and ensures proper communication, collaboration, and successful completion of the group’s project or goal.

Why use a group contract?

Using a group contract has four primary benefits: It is a powerful way to ensure group members are aware of, and comply with, all parties’ expectations. It sets out the guideline for the group’s conduct and helps create a healthy and honest working environment. It ensures that all parties adhere to their responsibilities, which helps reduce conflict and improve productivity. Finally, it can help to build trust and establish a sense of accountability within the team.

What is the point of a team contract?

The point of a team contract is to establish what success looks like among the members of it. It spells out the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of each team member and lays out the ground rules to avoid conflicts. It helps create a culture of accountability and ensures that each team member is on the same page.

What are the four important elements of a team contract?

Four important elements of a team contract are a clear purpose, defined roles and responsibilities, setting expectations (for communication, accountability, and time commitment), and lastly, a dispute resolution process.

Group Contract Template

Prepared for:

1. [Member1.FirstName][Member1.LastName][Member1.Phone][Member1.Email]

2. [Member2.FirstName][Member2.LastName][Member2.Phone][Member2.Email]

3. [Member3.FirstName][Member3.LastName][Member3.Phone][Member3.Email]

Prepared by:

[Member4.FirstName][Member4.LastName]

[Member4.Phone][Member4.Email]

This Group Contract (hereinafter the “Contract”) made and entered on [Document.CreatedDate], by and between:

Name: [Member1.FirstName][Member1.LastName], [Member1.Company];

Name: [Member2.FirstName][Member2.LastName], [Member2.Company];

Name: [Member3.FirstName][Member3.LastName], [Member3.Company];

Name: [Member4.FirstName][Member4.LastName], [Member4.Company];

Hereinafter, the members are collectively referred to as "Parties."

Project Purpose

The Group is established for (insert broad goal, e.g. creating a professional website for a small business, etc.).

Group Membership

The Group will have a total of (insert number) members, though other members may be added or removed at any time, with the consent of all parties.

Group Meetings

The Parties shall attend group meetings (insert the number of times, e.g., biweekly, weekly, or every Tuesday, etc.) at (insert location, e.g., video call, teleconference, a physical location, etc.) for the duration of the project. The Parties shall also inform each other in advance of any absences.

Duties

Each Party hereby agrees to the following duties:

1	[Member1.FirstName][Member1.LastName]	(insert duties)
2	[Member2.FirstName][Member2.LastName]	(insert duties)
3	[Member3.FirstName][Member3.LastName]	(insert duties)
4	[Member4.FirstName][Member4.LastName]	(insert duties)

Time Commitment

Each member of the Group agrees to devote no less than (insert number of hours) per week to the project.

Deadline/s

The Group will complete the project by (insert deadline). The Parties will determine their progress deadlines by (insert their method of determining deadlines).

Decision Making

Decision-making shall be executed via a collaborative approach. However, in the event a unanimous decision cannot be attained, the group will vote and the majority decision will prevail.

Financial obligations

(Check One)

Group expenses, if any, shall be split equally among group members.

Group expenses, if any, shall be as follows for each member of the group;

1	[Member1.FirstName][Member1.LastName]	(insertexpenses)
2	[Member2.FirstName][Member2.LastName]	(insertexpenses)
3	[Member3.FirstName][Member3.LastName]	(insertexpenses)
4	[Member4.FirstName][Member4.LastName]	(insertexpenses)

Dispute Resolution

In the eventuality of a dispute, the Parties must inform each other in writing within (insert number of days) from the identification of the dispute. The dispute shall be discussed amongst the Group to resolve. However, if a resolution is not reached, the Parties shall use mediation or other appropriate means to resolve the dispute.

Ground rules

The Parties shall respect each other’s work and input and maintain a cordial, productive atmosphere at all times. The Parties shall refrain from engaging in any activity that would be disruptive, disrespectful, or unprofessional to any other member of the Group.

Validity of the Group

This Group Contract shall be valid and in full effect from the date of its signature by the Parties, or shall be valid until (insert the date on which the validity of the contract ends).

Non-compliance

In the event either Party fails to comply with the terms of this Group Contract, the non-complying Party may be subject to a penalty of (insert penalty as mutually decided by the group).

Termination

The Group may be terminated at any time, with the consent of all Parties.

By signing, each of the Parties agrees to enter into and abide by the terms of this Contract.

MM / DD / YYYY

Signature

[Member1.FirstName][Member1.LastName]

Signature

MM / DD / YYYY

[Member2.FirstName][Member2.LastName]

Signature

MM / DD / YYYY

[Member3.FirstName][Member3.LastName]

Signature

MM / DD / YYYY

[Member4.FirstName][Member4.LastName]