Benne and Sheats’ Group Roles

What are Benne and Sheats’ Group Roles?

Benne and Sheats’ Group Roles is a theory that identifies the different roles that individuals tend to take on within a group setting. The theory was developed by Kenneth Benne and Paul Sheats in the 1950s and is widely used in organizational and team development.

I am writing this article to address the importance of building and developing a strong team. As we all know, a team is a group of individuals working together towards a common goal. But, a truly effective team goes beyond just working together, it’s about working together in the most efficient and productive way possible. And that’s where the concept of group roles comes in.

As you may know, group roles are the behaviors, actions, and responsibilities that individuals take on within a group setting.

The concept of group roles as outlined in Benne and Sheats’ Group Roles theory can be applied in organizations and teams as a way to understand and improve group dynamics and performance.

By understanding the roles that each team member takes on, we can work together more effectively to achieve our goals.

Three main categories of Benne and Sheats’ Group Roles theory

Benne and Sheats’ Group Roles theory defines three main categories of group roles: task roles, personal and social roles, and dysfunctional or individualistic roles.

Task Roles

These roles are related to the tasks and activities that are necessary for the group to achieve its goals. These roles are instrumental in helping the group to function effectively.

1. Task Roles:

• Initiator: Proposes new ideas and starts discussions
• Information Seeker: Requests and gathers information to help the group make decisions
• Opinion Giver: Expresses opinions and shares their perspective on issues
• Evaluator: Assesses the ideas and suggestions of others
• Elaborator: Develops and expands on the ideas and suggestions of others
• Coordinator: Brings order and organization to the group’s discussion and activities
• Recorder: Keeps track of the group’s decisions and actions
• Leader: Guides the group towards its goals
• Resource Investigator: Establishes contacts outside the group to obtain information and resources
• Gatekeeper: Facilitates communication and the flow of information within the group

Personal and Social Roles

These roles are related to maintaining the emotional well-being of the group. They are concerned with the interpersonal relationships within the group.

2. Personal and Social Roles:

• Encourager: Builds morale and fosters a positive atmosphere in the group
• Harmonizer: Resolves conflicts and promotes cooperation within the group
• Compromiser: Helps the group to reach a compromise or agreement
• Standard Setter: Sets and maintains standards for the group’s performance and behavior
• Follower: Supports and cooperates with the group’s leaders
• Completer-Finisher: Ensures that the group’s tasks and projects are completed on time and to a high standard
• Gatekeeper: Facilitates communication and the flow of information within the group

Dysfunctional or Individualistic Roles

These roles are related to acting in one’s own self-interest, rather than the interest of the group. They can disrupt the functioning of the group and lead to negative outcomes.

3. Dysfunctional or Individualistic Roles:

• Obstructionist: Blocks the group’s progress and hinders decision-making
• Dominator: Attempts to control the group and dominate decision-making
• Recognition Seeker: Seeks attention and recognition for themselves rather than the group
• Attention Seeker: Diverts attention away from the group’s goals and tasks
• Blocker: Refuses to participate in the group’s discussions and activities
• Aggressor: Uses hostile or aggressive behavior towards other group members
• Withdrawer: Removes themselves from the group’s discussions and activities
• Self-Observer: Focuses on their own needs and goals rather than the group’s
• Leveler: Attempts to equalize the power and status of group members
• Joker: Uses humor to distract from the group’s goals and tasks
• Pedestalizer: Elevates one group member above the others
• Depersonalizer: Detaches themselves emotionally from the group’s discussions and activities

It’s important to note that these roles are not fixed, and individuals may take on different roles at different times or in different situations.

Additionally, the impact of a role can vary depending on how it is played and the context of the group.

Understanding these roles and how they are being played within a group can help to improve the group’s functioning and performance.

How to Use Benne and Sheats’ Group Roles Theory?

Benne and Sheats’ Group Roles theory can be used in a variety of ways to improve group dynamics and performance. Here are some ways to use the theory:

1. Identify roles within a group: By understanding the different roles that individuals take on within a group, you can identify areas where roles may be missing or not being fulfilled effectively. This can help you to develop strategies for improving the functioning of your team or organization.
2. Encourage team members to take ownership of their roles: By understanding the roles that team members naturally tend to take on, you can encourage them to take ownership of those roles and to work together more effectively to achieve the team’s goals.
3. Improve communication and cooperation: By understanding the roles that each team member takes on, you can improve communication and coordination within the team, leading to better decision-making and problem-solving.
4. Identify and address role conflicts: If team members are playing conflicting roles, it can lead to confusion and poor performance. By identifying role conflicts, you can address and resolve them to improve the team’s functioning.
5. Use it as a tool for team and organizational development: The concept of group roles can be used as a tool for team and organizational development. It can be used to diagnose team and organizational problems, design interventions, and evaluate the outcomes.
6. Assign roles strategically: Assign roles strategically to the team members, who have the skills and personality that align with the role. This can help in the efficient functioning of the team and overall performance.

Conclusion

Benne and Sheats’ Group Roles theory provides a powerful framework for understanding and improving group dynamics and performance.

By identifying and utilizing the roles that individuals take on within a group setting, teams and organizations can work together more effectively to achieve their goals.

The theory is a valuable tool for identifying missing roles, improving communication and cooperation, and addressing role conflicts.

Remember, a strong team is built on understanding and utilizing the unique strengths of each team member. Understanding the concept of group roles can help you achieve this.

Read More About: Leadership Skills, Management Theories