Excerpted and paraphrased from:
Functional Roles of Group Members
by
Kenneth Benne and Paul Sheats
Group Task Roles
Initiator-Contributor
Suggests a new idea, a changed way of regarding the group problem or goal, a
way of handling a difficulty the group has encountered, or a new procedure.
Information Seeker
Asks for clarification of suggestions made as to their factual adequacy, or for
the presentation of authoritative pertinent information and facts.
Opinion Seeker
Asks for clarification of values involved in, or inferences drawn from, the facts
uncovered by the group.
Information Giver
Gives facts or authoritative statements; presents personal experiences.
Opinion Giver
States beliefs or opinions of the point at issue.
Elaborator
Spells out suggestions in terms of examples or of developed meanings.
Coordinator
Shows or clarifies the relationships among various ideas and suggestions.
Orienter
Defines the group’s position in respect to its goals by summarizing or pointing
out tangents.
Evaluator-Critic
Questions the practicality, the logic, the factual nature of information, or the
procedure of a suggestion or some unit of discussion.
Energizer
Prods the group to action or decision, or to a higher level of activity.
Procedural Technician
Performs routine tasks for the group, such as distributing materials or handling
equipment.
Recorder
Writes down suggestions, decisions, or the product of the discussion.