SMALL GROUP ROLES

SPCM 1-AH (Speech Communication)

KAE Blanco

Small Group Task Roles

Task Role
Initiator-contributor
Information seeker
Opinion seeker
Information giver

Opinion giver
Elaborator
Coordinator
Orienter
Evaluator-critic
Energizer
Procedural technician
Recorder

Description

Example

Proposes new ideas or approaches to group How about if we look at campus safety as issues of personal security
problem solving
and protection of private property?
Asks for information or clarification
How many instances of theft occur on our campus each year?
Asks for opinions from others
How do you feel about charging students a fee that would pay for
extra police protection?
Provides facts, examples, and other
My research showed that other campuses have solved similar
relevant evidence
problems by increasing numbers of campus police and improving
lighting.
Offers beliefs or opinions
Im often concerned about my personal safety when I walk to certain
campus parking lots at night.
Explains ideas, offers examples to clarify
If the university had increased security patrols, my bike might not
ideas
have been stolen last month.
Shows relationships among ideas presented Installing new light fixtures might improve personal safety and
reduce thefts on campus.
Summarizes what has been discussed and
Weve now discussed several aspects of personal safety; maybe its
keeps group focused
time to turn our attention to issues of protection of private property.
Judges evidence and conclusions of group
I think we may be overestimating the problem of theft.
Motivates group members to greater
Wow! Weve gotten a lot accomplished this evening, and we have
productivity
only have a few more points to discuss.
Performs logistical tasksdistributing
paper, arranging seating, etc.
Keeps a record of group activities and
progress

Based on: Benne, K. D. & Sheats, P. (1948). Functional roles of group members. Journal of Social Issues, 4, 41-49 as cited by Alberts, J. K., Nakayama, T. K. & Martin, J. N. (2010). Human
Communication in Society (2nd Ed.). USA: Allyn & Bacon.

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SMALL GROUP ROLES

SPCM 1-AH (Speech Communication)
KAE Blanco

Small Group Relational Roles

Role
Encourager
Harmonizer
Compromiser

Gatekeeper
Expediter
Standard setter
Group observer

Follower

Description
Offers praise and acceptance of others
ideas
Mediates disagreement among group
members
Attempts to resolve conflicts by trying to
find an acceptable solution to
disagreements
Encourages less talkative group members
to participate
Tries to limit lengthy contributions of other
group members
Helps to set standards and goals for the
group
Keeps records of the groups process and
uses the information that is gathered to
evaluate the groups procedures
Goes along with suggestions and ideas of
group members; serves as an audience in
group discussion and decision making

Example
Thats a great idea; tell us more about it.
I think you and Ron are seeing two sides of the same coin.
I think both of you have great ideas.
Lets see how we can combine them.
Maria, you havent said much about this idea.
How do you feel about it?
Martin, youve told us what you think about most of the ideas. Why
dont we hear from some of the other members?
I think our goal should be to submit a comprehensive plan for
campus safety to the dean by the end of this semester.

I like that idea. Thats really a good point.

Based on: Benne, K. D. & Sheats, P. (1948). Functional roles of group members. Journal of Social Issues, 4, 41-49 as cited by Alberts, J. K., Nakayama, T. K. & Martin, J. N. (2010). Human
Communication in Society (2nd Ed.). USA: Allyn & Bacon.

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SMALL GROUP ROLES

SPCM 1-AH (Speech Communication)
KAE Blanco

Small Group Individual Roles

Role
Aggressor
Blocker
Recognition seeker
Self-confessor
Joker
Dominator

Help-seeker

Special-interest pleader

Description
Attacks other group members, tries to take
credit for someone elses contribution
Is generally negative and stubborn for no
apparent reason
Calls excessive attention to his/her
personal achievements
Uses the group as an audience to report
non-group-related personal feelings
Lacks involvement in the groups process,
distracts others by telling stories and jokes
Asserts control by manipulating group
members or tries to take over group; may
use flattery or assertive behavior to
dominate conversation
Tries to gain unwarranted sympathy from
group; often expresses insecurity or
feelings of low self-worth
Works to serve an individual need, rather
than focusing on group interests

Example
Thats a stupid idea. It would never work.
This whole task is pointless. I dont see why we have to do it.
This is how we dealt campus security when I was at Lyceum.
Im so upset at my boyfriend. We had a big fight last night.
Hey did you hear the one about?
I know my plan will work because I was a police officer.

You probably wont like this idea either, but I think we should
consider contracting out our campus security.
Since I only have a daycare on Wednesdays, can we meet on
Wednesday afternoons?

Based on: Benne, K. D. & Sheats, P. (1948). Functional roles of group members. Journal of Social Issues, 4, 41-49 as cited by Alberts, J. K., Nakayama, T. K. & Martin, J. N. (2010). Human
Communication in Society (2nd Ed.). USA: Allyn & Bacon.

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