Question

Define and discuss two task roles and two maintenance roles that are usually found in groups. How might the people filling these roles communicate/what types of messages would you expect them to send?

Answer 1

Task roles are the actions of group members that help to accomplish a task.

One task role is initiator. The initiator proposes a task and suggests goals, procedures, and solutions.

He or she may say: Is it a good idea to start with….?

Another task role is information seeker. The information seeker asks for clarification, suggestion, and solutions.

He or she may say: What do you think of that problem?

Maintenance roles are the actions of group members to maintain or preserve the relationship in a group.

One maintenance role is harmonizer. Its role is mediating differences between other members, reducing tension, and solving disagreements.

For example: What can we all agree on?

Another maintenance role is gatekeeper. The gatekeeper facilitates the participation of other members and facilitates sharing ideas.

For example: Did you want to share something, John?