Roles Outline

1. RolesOutline • Roles • Why Roles • The Power of Roles • Film: Zimbardo Prison Study

2. Roles Sets of behaviors that persons expect of occupants of a position Formal Informal Role expectations What we expect of members based on their role in the group Divides up responsibility Role differentiation The development of distinct roles in the group Roles

3. 12-6 Role Behavior • Role overload: • When expectations exceed what a person is able to do. • Role conflict: • When the set of expected behaviors includes conflicting demands. • Intrarole conflict • Interrole conflict • Role ambiguity: • When expectations are unclear because people fail to provide information necessary for performing a role; not knowing what to do, e.g. vague job descriptions or unclear criteria for promotion • People in collectivist cultures tend to be clearer about role expectations, while individualist cultures leave more room for discretion.

4. 12-10a Table 12-3a Functional Roles Performedby Group Members Task Roles DescriptionInitiator Suggests new goals or ideasInformation seeker/giver Clarifies key issuesOpinion seeker/giver Clarifies pertinent valuesElaborator Promotes greater understandingCoordinator Pulls together ideas and suggestionsOrienter Keeps group headed toward its stated goal(s)Evaluator Tests group’s accomplishmentsEnergizer Prods group to move along or to accomplish moreProcedural technician Performs routine dutiesRecorder Performs a “group memory” function

5. 12-10b Table 12-3b Functional Roles Performedby Group Members (continued) Maintenance Roles DescriptionEncourager Fosters group solidarityHarmonizer Mediates conflict through reconciliation or humorCompromiser Helps resolve conflict by meeting others “half way”Gatekeeper Encourages all group members to participateStandard setter Evaluates the quality of group processesCommentator Records comments on group processes/dynamicsFollower Serves as a passive audience

6. The Power of Roles • Roles are powerful influences on member behavior • Stanford Prison Study • Zimbardo & colleagues