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.