The most effective groups have 5 to 15 members. However, in some rural areas, villagers who know each other well can create groups as large as 50. Only one member per household may be in the same group. Also, group members must be from the same community. Groups elect their own officers.
Some groups have other positions as well.
Groups may choose to rotate officers over time. Groups often create their own bylaws. Before becoming certified and thus eligible to borrow, the group develops bylaws or rules for conducting group business. No member of a group may receive a new loan unless all members of the group are up to date on loan payments. If members have made late payments during a loan cycle, the applicant may still receive a loan as long as all members have repaid their loans at the end of the loan cycle and the group approves the loan.