Role Functions In Group Discussion

ROLE FUNCTIONS IN GROUP DISCUSSIONS

Task roles Maintenance roles Controlling nonfunctional behavior Improving group performance

TASK ROLES

Suggesting new ideas Giving and asking for information Restating and giving examples Confronting and reality testing Clarifying and synthesizing

MAINTENANCE ROLES

Encouraging and sponsoring Gatekeeping and timekeeping Standard setting Following Evaluating

MAINTENANCE ROLES

Diagnosing Testing consensus Relieving tension Mediating

GROUPS ARE EFFECTIVE WHEN:

They are action oriented There is a non-threatening climate There is an environment for learning All members participate Tasks get done Criticism is accepted (non-personal) Members arrive prepared

BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE DECISIONS

Being aggressive Going off on tangents Self confessing Competing

BARRIERS TO EFFECTIVE DECISIONS

Seeking sympathy Joking around Demanding attention Withdrawing

BIG PROBLEMS FOR GROUPS

Lack of clear goals Star complexes Wallflowers Group think

GROUP THINK

Go along with the leader or the group without dissenting.

Dismiss alternatives too quickly just to be agreeable.

Consider only a few solutions (in a hurry to make any decision, not the right one).

Fail to get input from experts. “Not invented here.” If there is consensus, stop and try again.