Page 304 - The Handbook for Quality Management a Complete Guide to Operational Excellence

290 C o n t i n u o u s I m p r o v e m e n t D e f i n e S t a g e 291

Role Description
Initiator Proposes new ideas, tasks, or goals; suggests procedures
or ideas for solving a problem or for organizing the group
Information seeker Asks for relevant facts related to the problem being
discussed
Seeks clarification of values related to problem or
Opinion seeker
suggestion
Information giver Provides useful information about subject under discussion
Opinion giver Offers his/her opinion of suggestions made; emphasis is
on values rather than facts
Elaborator Gives examples
Coordinator Shows relationship among suggestions; points out issues
and alternatives
Orientor Relates direction of group to agreed-upon goals
Evaluator Questions logic behind ideas, usefulness of ideas, or
suggestions
Energizer Attempts to keep the group moving toward an action
Procedure Keeps group from becoming distracted by performing such
technician tasks as distributing materials, checking seating, etc.
Recorder Serves as the group memory

Table 13.9 Group Task Roles

Role Description
Encourager Offers praise to other members; accepts the
contributions of others
Harmonizer Reduces tension by providing humor or by promoting
reconciliation; gets people to explore their differences
in a manner that benefits the entire group
Compromiser This role may be assumed when a group member’s
idea is challenged; admits errors, offers to modify his/
her position
Gatekeeper Encourages participation, suggests procedures for
keeping communication channels open
Standard setter Expresses standards for group to achieve; evaluates
group progress in terms of these standards
Observer/ Records aspects of group process; helps group
commentator evaluate its functioning
Follower Passively accepts ideas of others; serves as audience
in group discussions

Table 13.10 Group Maintenance Roles

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