Which of the following roles can be classified as a groups maintenance roles?

The nature of SmileUrbo requires participants to actively engage in the roles assigned to them during the game. The goal of these workshops is to prepare players to participate in group settings; local communities, associations, etc.

Theory

When participants are assigned roles, it is important to recall that just as they assume the role and position in the game, we assume a role and position in real life; we adopt social expectations. Our choices and how we behave are affected by our history, personality, and the characteristics of a group that we are a part of.

It is impossible to claim that an individual has not accepted any role in a group, because we accept roles unconsciously, and often times other members of the group can see our role more clearly than we can. This is not to say that we will always occupy the same position in a group- realizing that our roles and responsibilities in a group are adaptable, can help us to consciously build relationships with others.

There are many typologies describing group roles. SmileUrbo gives context to players to introduce the theories behind group roles. A good solution would be to select the material and present it in line with the level of sophistication and commitment of the group.

Schindler Typology

A simple typology developed by Schindler that distinguishes 4 basic roles:
• Leader – activates the group to action and impress the rest of its members.
• Opposition – provokes and remains in opposition to the individual members of the group or whole.
• Outsider – represents the boundary of the group, tends to be the most extreme in their views.
• Passive – not active, wants to stay as far as possible: anonymous.

Benne & Sheats Typology

Two leading theorists on group behavior, Kenneth Benne and Paul Sheats developed the following typology to describe group roles by dividing them into three categories: task roles, social maintenance roles, and dysfunctional/individualistic roles.

Task roles take action; they are key to coordinating and facilitating the group in finding the source of setbacks and finding a solution. Social maintenance roles maintain the group dynamic. They strengthen and regulate the group as a group. Dysfunctional and/or individualistic roles are not necessarily group roles per say, they represent the participants individual goals that are neither relevant nor reflective of the groups goals.

Task Roles:
• Co-ordinator – Identifies and explains the relationships between ideas. May pull together a few different ideas and make them cohesive.
• Initiator/Contributor – Proposes original ideas or different ways of approaching group problems and goals. This role initiates discussions and moves groups into new areas of exploration.
• Opinion Seeker – Asks for clarification of the values, attitudes, and opinions of group members. Checks to make sure different perspectives are given.
• Information Giver – Provides factual information to the group. Is seen as an authority on the subject and relates own experience when relevant.

Social Maintenance Roles:
• Encourager – Affirms, supports, and praises the efforts of fellow group members. Demonstrates warmth and provides a positive attitude in meetings.
• Harmonizer – Conciliates differences between individuals. Seeks ways to reduce tension and diffuse a situation by providing further explanations or using humor.
• Compromiser – Offers to change his or her position for the good of the group. Willing to yield position or meet others half way.
• Gatekeeper/Expediter – Regulates the flow of communication. Makes sure all members have a chance to express themselves by encouraging the shy and quiet members to contribute their ideas. Limits those who dominate the conversation and may suggest group rules or standards that ensure everyone gets a chance to speak up.

Dysfunctional and/or Individualistic Roles:
• Aggressor – Makes personal attacks using belittling and insulting comments, for example, “That’s the most ridiculous idea I’ve ever heard.” Actions are usually an attempt to decrease another member’s status.
• Blocker – Opposes every idea or opinion that is put forward and yet refuses to make own suggestions, for example, “That’s not a good idea.” The result is that the group stalls because it can’t get past the resistance.
• Recognition Seeker – Uses group meetings to draw personal attention to him or herself. May brag about past accomplishments or relay irrelevant stories that paint him or her in a positive light. Sometimes pulls crazy stunts to attract attention like acting silly, making excess noise, or otherwise directing members away from the task at hand.
• Help Seeker – Actively looks for sympathy by expressing feelings of inadequacy. Acts helpless, self deprecating and unable to contribute. For example, “I can’t help you, I’m too confused and useless with this stuff.”

Module knowledge [30-45 minutes]
Lecture / moderated discussion / Reflection [20-30 minutes]

Have participants discuss their role in the group- not their assigned position (e.g. modern farmer), but what their role was in the group (leader, opposition, etc.) and how they viewed themselves in their role in hindsight.

Invite participants to a group reflection. Together, look for answers to the following questions:
Did you assume the same role throughout the game?
What roles did you most assume throughout the game?
Do you see any other expressive roles in the group?
In what moments were they (the roles) particularly visible?
Do you feel as though you changed roles throughout the game?

Note: subject can cause a lot of excitement in the participants. Keep discussion on topic and if necessary, take a break.

What are maintenance roles in a group?

What are the 3 types of group roles?

What are the 5 roles in a group?

What are some maintenance roles?