functional role theory

• American educational philosopher Kenneth D. Benne and American professor of pedagogy Paul Sheats studied group roles and defined 26 different roles in their article 'Functional Roles of Group Members' published in 1940
• Task Roles

  • Initiator/Contributor
  • Information Seeker
  • Information Giver
  • Opinion Seeker
  • Opinion Giver
  • Elaborator
  • Co-ordinator
  • Orienter
  • Evaluator/Critic
  • Energizer
  • Procedural Technician
  • Recorder
• Task Roles

  • Roles that relate to getting the work done, taking a project step-by-step from initial conception through to action
• Personal and/or Social Roles


  • Roles that contribute to the positive functioning of the group
• Initiator/Contributor

  Proposes original ideas or different ways of approaching group problems or goals. Initiates discussions and moves groups into new areas of exploration
• Information Seeker

  Requests clarification of comments in terms of their factual adequacy. Seeks expert information or facts relevant to the problem
• Information Giver


  Provides factual information to the group. Is seen as an authority on the subject and relates their own experience when relevant
• Opinion Seeker


  Asks for clarification of the values, attitudes, and opinions of group members. Checks to make sure different perspectives are given
• Opinion Giver


  Expresses own opinions and beliefs about the subject being discussed. Often states opinions in terms of what the group "should" do
• Elaborator

  Takes other people's initial ideas and builds on them with examples, relevant facts and data. Looks at the consequences of proposed ideas and actions
• Co-ordinator


  Identifies and explains the relationships between ideas. Pulls together different ideas and makes them cohesive
• Orienter


  Reviews and clarifies the group's position. Provides a summary of what has been accomplished, notes where the group has veered off course, and suggests how to get back on target
• Evaluator/Critic

  Evaluates proposals against a predetermined or objective standard. Assesses the reasonableness of a proposal and looks at whether it is fact-based and manageable as a solution
• Energizer


  Concentrates the group's energy on forward movement. Challenges and stimulates the group to take further action
• Procedural Technician

  Facilitates group discussion by taking care of logistical concerns like meeting locations and supplies needed
• Recorder


  Acts as the secretary or minute-keeper. Records ideas and keeps track of what goes on at each meeting
• Personal and/or Social Roles

  • Encourager
  • Harmonizer
  • Compromiser
  • Gatekeeper/Expediter
  • Observer/Commentator
  • Follower
• 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 position for the good of the group. Willing to yield position or meet others halfway
• Gatekeeper/Expediter

  Regulates the flow of communication. Ensures all members have a chance to express themselves by encouraging shy members to contribute ideas. Limits those who dominate the conversation and may suggest group rules or standards
• Observer/Commentator

  Provides feedback to the group about how it is functioning. Seen when a group wants to set, evaluate, or change its standards and processes
• Follower


  Accepts what others say and decide even though he or she has not contributed to the decision or expressed own thoughts
• Dysfunctional and/or Individualistic Roles

  • Aggressor
  • Blocker
  • Recognition Seeker
  • Self-Confessor
  • Disrupter/Playboy or Playgirl
  • Dominator
  • Help Seeker
  • Special Interest Pleader
• Benne and Sheats' work


  Identified group roles
• Benne and Sheats' work did not prescribe any application of their theory; they simply identified the roles
• Benne and Sheats' theory can be used to improve group effectiveness and harmony by identifying roles, determining additional ones required, and eliminating unnecessary ones
• Roles required in a group can vary depending on the stage of group development and the tasks at hand
• It is useful to consider how a group is developing and how tasks may vary when reviewing group roles