Question | Answer |
Role | A specific pattern of behavior that one group member performs based on the expectations of other members |
Task-related roles | Specific patterns of behavior that directly help the group accomplish its goals |
Initiator | A group member who gets the discussion started or moves it in a new direction |
Information or opinion giver | A group member who provides content for the discussion |
Information or opinion seeker | A group member who probes others for their factual ideas and opinions |
Analyzer | A group member who probes the content, reasoning, and evidence of members during discussions |
Orienter | A group member who indicates to the group that it is off track or summarizes points of agreement and disagreement among members |
Maintenance roles | Patterns of behavior that help the group develop and maintain good member relationships, group cohesiveness, and effective levels of conflict |
Gatekeeper | A group member who ensures that everyone has an opportunity to speak and be heard |
Encourager | A group member who provides support for the contributions of the team members |
Harmonizer | A group member who helps the group relieve tension and manage conflict |
Self-centered roles | Patterns of behavior that focus attention on individuals’ needs and goals at the expense of the group |
Aggressor | A group member who seeks to enhance his or her own status by criticizing almost everything or blaming others when things get rough and by deflating the ego or status of others |
Withdrawer | A group member who meets his or her own goals at the expense of group goals by not participating in the discussion or the work of the group |
Blocker | A group member who routinely rejects others’ views and stubbornly disagrees with emerging group decisions |
Formal leader | An assigned, appointed or elected leader who is given legitimate power to influence others |
Informal leader | Members of the group whose authority to influence stems from the power they gain through their interactions in the group |
Joker | a group member who attempts to draw attention to himself or herself by clowning, mimicking, or generally making a joke of everything |
Leadership | is a process of influencing members to accomplish group goals |