Module 9: Learning in Small Groups
Group dynamics: (common group roles)
When serving as a group facilitator, it is important to be constantly aware of
the dynamics of your small group. A facilitator should pay attention to the
kinds of roles people play in groups and personality types of group members.
The interaction of these factors makes each group unique and determines the
group dynamics. Often group members take on certain roles either consciously
or subconsciously. Listed below are some of the supportive roles and destructive
roles you might observe being played out by group members.
Supportive roles —
- Consensus seeker — looks to see what the group is thinking and whether or not there is agreement on issues
- Elaborator — wants more than just the facts, probes for more information
- Initiator — offers new ideas or ways of thinking about things
- Reviewer — tends to provide summary statements and clarity to issues that arise in the group
- Tension-reliever — often uses humor to relieve tense situations in the group
Destructive roles —
- Aggressor — freely uses insults and often criticizes others
- Dominator — monopolizes group interaction and tries to control the discussion
- Negativist — quick to point out the down side of every issue or topic
- Quibbler — prone to focus on petty details – loses the forest for the trees
- Rabbit chaser — often distracts the group by focusing on issues irrelevant to the topic at hand
Your job as facilitator is not to “peg” each member in order to figure out what
role they are playing. In fact, roles may change from time to time. It’s
simply a good idea to be aware that these kinds of roles may exist in a small group.
Have you observed individuals playing out
any of the roles described above? What did your group leader do to facilitate
a balanced discussion?
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