Chapter 11 : Members & Leaders

Members in Small Group Communication 

1. A popular classification of small group member roles divides them into group task roles, group building and maintenance roles and individual roles.
2. There are 12 group task roles : 

• Initiator-contributor
• Information seeker
• Opinion seeker
• Information giver
• Opinion giver
• Elaborator 
• Coordinator
• Orienter
• Evaluator-critic
• Energizer
• Procedural technician 
• Recorder

   3. There are 7 group building & maintenance roles :

• Encourager
• Harmonizer
• Compromiser
• Gatekeeper-expediter
• Standard setter
• Group observer & Commentator
• Follower

  4. There are 8 individual roles :

• Aggressor
• Blocker
• Recognition seeker
• Self-confessor
• Playboy/playgirl
• Dominator
• Help seeker
• Special interest pleader

Leaders in Small Group Communication

1. Approaches to Leadership

• Functional Approach
• Transformational Approach 
• Situational Approach

    2. Functions and Skills of Leadership 

• Be ready
• Activate group agenda (keep tasks on track)
• Promote group interaction (communication among the members)
• Maintain effective interaction
• Empower group members
• Keep members on track (having discussions & informing members every details) 
• Ensure member satisfaction (ask opinion from everyone)
• Encourage ongoing evaluation
• Manage conflict
• Follow Up

Membership, Leadership & Culture

1. Individualism & Collectivism 
2. Member Roles
3. Belief Systems
4. Leadership Style