Project MMS (Meeting Management Simulation)

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Roles in Groups

Every member of a group plays a certain role within that group. Some roles relate to the task aspect of the group, while others promote social interaction. A third set of roles are self-centered and can be destructive for the group. Read about the roles group members play and then complete the activity.

Task-Oriented Roles

 Roles which relate to the completion of the group's task:
Initiator-contributor Generates new ideas.
Information-giver Offers facts or generalization to the group.
Information-seeker Asks for information about the task.
Opinion-giver States his or her beliefs about a group issue.
Opinion-seeker Asks for the input from the group about its values.
Elaborator Explains ideas within the group, offers examples to clarify ideas.
Coordinator Shows the relationships between ideas.
Orienter Shifts the direction of the group's discussion.
Evaluator-critic Measures group's actions against some objective standard.
Energizer Stimulates the group to a higher level of activity.
Procedural-technician Performs logistical functions for the group.
Recorder Keeps a record of group actions.

Social Roles

 Groups also have members who play certain social roles
Encourager Praises the ideas of others.
Harmonizer Mediates differences between group members.
Compromiser Moves group to another position that is favored by all group members.
Gatekeeper/expediter Keeps communication channels open.
Standard Setter Suggests standards or criteria for the group to achieve.
Group observer Keeps records of group activities and uses this information to offer feedback to the group.
Follower Goes along with the group and accepts the group's ideas.

Individualistic Roles

 These roles place the group member above the group and are destructive to the group.
Aggressor Attacks other group members, deflates the status of others, and other aggressive behavior.
Blocker Resists movement by the group.
Recognition seeker Calls attention to himself or herself.
Self-confessor Seeks to disclose nongroup related feelings or opinions.
Dominator Asserts control over the group by manipulating the other group members.
Help seeker Tries to gain the sympathy of the group.
Special interest pleader Uses stereotypes to assert his or her own prejudices.

Achievement (Task) Activities and Roles

Achievement roles assist a group to accomplish its task.
Initiator Proposes new ideas, goals, procedures, methods, and solutions
Information Seeker Asks for facts and clarification; suggests when more information needed
Information Giver Offers facts, personal experience, and evidence
Opinion Seeker Draws out convictions and opinions of others; asks for clarification
Opinion Giver States own beliefs or opinions
Clarifier Elaborates on ideas expressed by others; gives related examples
Coordinator Clarifies relationships among facts offered by others; proposes new ways to look at group's effort
Orientor Clarifies group purpose or goals; defines group's position; summarizes and suggests direction group should take
Energizer Prods group to greater activity; stimulates interaction
Summarizer Assesses group functioning; raises questions about logic & practicality of member suggestions

Maintenance-Helpful (Climate) Roles

Achievement roles are complimented by humanistic-helpful roles.
Supporter  Proposes new ideas, goals, procedures, methods and solutions
Harmonizer  Helps resolve differences; conciliates
Tension Reliever  Jokes; brings out humane characteristics; reduces formality; relaxes others
Gate Keeper  Helps others join in on the discussion
Encourager Praises, accepts, or agrees with other members' ideas; indicates solidarity and warmth
Standard Setter and Testing Expresses standards for the group to achieve or use in evaluating group process
Follower Goes along with the group; agrees to try out the ideas of others

Defensive (Egocentric) Roles

Both task-centered and individual climate-centered roles are frustrated by egocentric roles. Defensive roles operate at the expense of the individual and the group.
Blocker Constantly raises objections; insists that nothing can be done
Recognition Seeker Boasts; calls attention to him/herself
Confessor Uses group for his own "therapy;" tells his life history; centers on his problems, mistakes, and feelings
Playboy Is out for fun; displays a lack of involvement in group tasks
Dominator Tries to run group; insists on his/her way
Special Interest Pleader Insists on his/her particular interests, regardless of group's goals; frequently represents another  group outside the immediate group
Avoider Lacks interest; wants to escape from the process; would rather be "golfing" or attending  "happy hour"

Source

Benne, Kenneth, & Sheats, Paul. (1948). Functional roles of group members. Journal of Social Issues, 4, 41-49.

Links

http://www.people.vcu.edu/~rsleeth/ProjectRoles.html

http://www.abacon.com/commstudies/groups/roles.html

References about small groups:

http://www.abacon.com/commstudies/references.html