10 RolesIn

Small Group Communication

Task Leader

Social-Emotional Leader

Tension Releaser

Information ProviderCentral Negative

Questioner

SilentObserver

Active Listener

Recorder

Self-CenteredFollower

Background InformationOn Roles

In order to reduce uncertainty and make our communication behavior more predictable and routine, our communication is organized by social roles.

Early research reported a list of 25 roles that people play in group discussion, but because it is easier to explain what is going on in a group by limiting the number categories, 10 main roles have risen above the rest.

Roles must be played in order to enhance the chances of effective teamwork.

2 Vital RolesIn Small GroupCommunication

Tension Releaser Central Negative

Tension Releaser

Tension ReleaserConflict and tension are inevitable in any working group.

Humor can relieve stress and tension in a group and make everyone a bit more comfortable.

The person who plays this role not only has the ability to be funny but also must be aware of the diversity of the group. What may be funny to a someone, or maybe a few people, may offend someone else in the group. This could cause tension to build instead of release. Therefore the person in charge of this role must account for everyone before trying to release the tension. The more diverse the group is, the harder this role may be to play.

Tension ReleaserNot only can humor break the tension, but it can also resolve arguments within a group. When a conflict seems to be arising, a quick comical remark may be able to stabilize the group before it gets too heated.

Awkward moments may also become apparent, and it can be hard for anyone in the group to break the silence. Once again, humor may be the much needed answer.

The downside of the tension releaser is that if you try to play the role and fail, or when it is unneeded, the group may accuse you of straying from the work or be labeled a “clown”

Central Negative

Central NegativeThe Central Negative is someone who is displeased with what is happening within a group.

This role is the counterpart of the task leader. The Central Negative continually challenges the task leader. If the task leader assumes criticism on the next idea will be present, it will usually come from the central negative. If the task leader were to leave the group, the group members will usually turn to the central negative for task leadership.

The Central Negative has mainly three responsibilities:Evaluate IdeasMake AgendasInstigate Conflict

Central NegativeThe Central Negative is essential to a group because it forces other members to rethink their positions on ideas and proposals.

Often times it is hard to determine the difference between a central negative role, which is a positive role, and a self-centered follower. The criticizing ideas emitted by this person can determine what role they play.

If the whole group looks at the pros and cons of important group decisions, then there is no need for a central negative, because it is shared amongst the group.