Chapter 13: Leadership, Roles, and Problem Solving in Groups Flashcards
Question
Answer
contribute directly to the group’s completion of a a task or achievement of its goal or purpose
Task roles
the “idea person” who communicates “big picture” thoughts and suggestions that feed group discussion
Substantive leader
the person who gives the most guidance, perhaps sfollowing up on the ideas generated by the substantive leader
Procedural leader
a task-related role that functions to keep the group on track toward completing its task by managing the agenda and setting and assessing goals in order to monitor the group’s progress
Expediter
this role includes behaviors that are more evenly shared compared to other roles, as ideally, all group members present new ideas, initiate discussions of new topics, and contribute their own relevant knowledge and experiences
Information provider
the person who has this task-related role asks for more information, elaboration, or clarification on items relevant to the group’s task
Information seeker
this person manages the flow of conversation in a group in order to achieve an appropriate balance so that all group members get to participate in a meaningful way
Gatekeeper
the person who takes notes on the discussion and activities that occur during a group meeting. This role is the only role that is limited to one person at a time
Recorder
function to create and maintain social cohesion and fulfill the interpersonal needs of group members
Maintenance roles
may perform a variety of maintenance roles and is generally someone who is well liked by the other group members and whose role behaviors complement but do not compete with the task leader
Social-emotional leader
a maintenance role that is characterized by communication behaviors that encourage other group members and provide emotional support as needed
Supporter
someone who is naturally funny and sensitive to the personalities of the group and the dynamics of any given situation and who uses these qualities to manage the frustration level of the group
Tension releaser
group members who help manage the various types of group conflict that emerge during group communication, they keep their eyes and ears open for signs of conflict among group members and ideally intervene before it escalates
Harmonizer
this person helps manage the diversity within a group by mediating intercultural conflict, articulating common ground between different people, and generally creating a climate where difference is seen as an opportunity rather than as something to be feared
Interpreter
argues against most of the ideas and proposals discussed in the group
Central negative
a group member who makes excessive verbal contributions preventing equal participation by other group members. Can include the “egghead” and the “stage hog.”
Monopolizer
monopolizes discussion with excessive verbal contributions and engages in one-upping and narcissistic listening
Stage hog
monopolizes the discussion with excessive contributions based in actual knowledge
Egghead
involves thoughts, discussions, actions, and decisions that occur from the first consideration of a problematic situation to the goal
Problem-solving process
a single sentence that summarizes the problem
Problem statement
a question that will guide the group as it generates possible solutions
Problem question
guides decision making through a four-step process that includes idea generation and evaluation and seeks to elicit equal contributions from all group members
Nominal group technique
a commonly used decision-making technique in which a majority (one-half plus one) must agree before making a decision
Majority rule
A decision making technique in which a designated authority or expert has final say over a decision and may or may not consider the input of other group members
Minority rule
a decision-making technique in which all members of the group must agree on the same decision
Consensus rule
