A method is provided for managing a group of two or more operations within a software system. The method includes initiating a group context including a sub-context for each operation in the group context, wherein each operation is supported by one of a transactional resource and a messaging component, performing the operations within the sub-contexts, each operation resulting in an outcome, coupling the outcomes within the group context, determining an overall outcome of the group context, and taking at least one action dependent on the overall outcome. The method further includes the step of terminating the group context upon taking one or more actions.