Final answer:
The essential component of cooperative groups is mutualism, which emphasizes cooperation and interdependence among group members.
Step-by-step explanation:
The essential component of cooperative groups that describes a shared effort in which everyone seeks to support the growth of every individual is mutualism. Mutualism refers to a form of socialism where individuals and cooperative groups exchange products based on mutually satisfactory contracts. It emphasizes the importance of cooperation and interdependence among group members.