Functions Influencing Group Productivity

Every group's effectiveness depends on three main categories of behavior:

1. Task Functions (The 'What')

These are behaviors aimed at achieving the primary goal of the group. Key roles include:

• Initiating: Proposing goals or defining problems.
• Information Seeking/Giving: Requesting or offering facts and ideas.
• Clarifying: Interpreting input and giving examples.
• Consensus Testing: Checking for agreements.

2. Maintenance Behaviors (The 'How')

These provide the social-emotional support a group needs to stay healthy. Key roles include:

• Encouraging: Showing regard for others and their contributions.
• Harmonizing: Reconciling differences and reducing tension.
• Gate-keeping: Keeping communications flowing and facilitating participation.
• Standard Setting: Reminding members of group norms and rules.

3. Self-interest Behaviors (The Hindrance)

These behaviors take away from group performance at the expense of others:

• Dominating: Displaying lack of respect, cutting others off, or controlling the talk.
• Blocking: Stifling a line of thought or changing the topic to one's own interest.
• Belittling: Using put-downs or sneering at others' viewpoints.
• Splitting Hairs: Nit-picking insignificant details to delay a solution.

Roles in a Group

• Assigned Roles: Formal titles like Chairperson, Secretary, or Manager.
• Emergent Roles: Arise from social/emotional needs (e.g., Mentor, Confidant, or even the "Group Clown").

Common Workplace Obstacles

1. Role Ambiguity: Occurs when a person is unclear about what is expected of them, or when instructions are contradictory.
2. Role Conflict: Occurs when a member feels their job description is unclear or overlaps significantly with another member's job.