Answer:
ingroup
Explanation:
The answer is "ingroup".
The term "Ingroup" is defined as a small group of people who shares the common interests and beliefs. They have the same liking.
Here, in the question it is mentioned that Joshua, Doug and Carl were very close to Eric Scott. They often seen together in the cafeteria. All the four person namely Joshua, Doug Carl and Eric Scott stayed late together in the office and worked when the need arose.
Thus these four members are classified as "ingroup".