In light of recent events and subsequent discussions, I'd like to share this without any further explanation, just to add a few things to ponder:

 

TABLE 5-1 ROLES IN GROUPS

Task Roles

Initiator/contributor

Recommends novel ideas about the problem at hand, new ways to

approach the problem, or possible Solutions not yet considered

Information seeker

Emphasizes getting the facts by calling for background information

from others

Opinion seeker

Asks for more qualitative types of data, such as attitudes, values,

and feelings

Information giver

Provides data for forming decisions, including facts that derive

from expertise

Opinion giver

Provides opinions, values, and feelings

Elaborator

Gives additional information—examples, rephrasings, implications—about

points made by others

Coordinator

Shows the relevance of each idea and its relationship to the overall problem

Orienter

Refocuses discussion on the topic whenever necessary

Evaluator/critic

Appraises the quality of the group's methods, logic, and results

Energizer

Stimulates the group to continue working when discussion flags

Procedural technician

Cares for operational details, such as the materials and machinery

Recorder

Takes notes and maintains records

Socioemotional Roles

Encourager

Rewards others through agreement, warmth, and praise

Harmonizer

Mediates conflicts among group members

Compromiser

Shifts his or her own position on an issue to reduce conflict in the group

Gatekeeper and

expediter

Smoothes communication by setting up procedures and ensuring equal

participation from members

Standard setter

Expresses, or calls for discussion of, Standards for evaluating the quality of

the group process

Group observer/

commentator

Points out the positive and negative aspects of the group's dynamics and

calls for change if necessary

Follower

Accepts the ideas offered by others and serves as an audience for the group

Individual Roles

Aggressor

Expresses disapproval of acts, ideas, feelings of others; attacks the group

Block

Negativistic; resists the group's influence; opposes group unnecessarily

Dominator

Asserts authority or superiority; manipulative

Evader and

self-confessor

Expresses personal interests, feelings, opinions unrelated to group goals

Help seeker

Expresses insecurity, confusion, self-deprecation

Recognition seeker

Calls attention to him- or herseif; self-aggrandizing

Playboy/girl

Uninvolved in the group; cynical, nonchalant

Special-interest

pleader

Remains apart from the group by acting as a representative of another

social group or category

Source: Benne & Sheats, 1948.

From: Forsyth, Donelson R.: Group Dynamics. Third edition. Belmont, London, 1999 (p. 127)