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The following analysis assumes that the task of the discussion group is to select, define, and solve common problems. The roles are identified in relation to facilitation and coordination of group problem-solving activities. Each member may, of course, enact more than one role in any given unit of participation and a wide range of roles in the ensuing participation.

The Initiator-Contributor

The initiator-contributor suggests or proposes to the group new ideas or changed ways of regarding group problems or goals. The proposal may take the form of suggestions of a new group goal or a new definition of the problem. It may take the form of a suggested solution or of some way of handling a difficulty that the group has encountered. Or it may take the form of a proposed new procedure for the group, a new way of organizing the group for the task ahead.

The Information Seeker

The information seeker asks for clarification of suggestions made in terms of their factual adequacy, for authoritative information, and facts pertinent to the problem being discussed.

The opinion seeker asks not primarily for the facts of the case but for a clarification of the values pertinent to what the group is undertaking or of values involved in a suggestion made or in alternative suggestions.

The Information Giver

The information giver offers facts or generalizations which are “authoritative” or relates his own experiences pertinently to the group problem.

The Opinion Giver

The opinion giver states his belief or opinion pertinently to a suggestion made or to alternative suggestions. The emphasis is on his proposal of what should become the group’s view of pertinent values, not primarily upon relevant facts or information.

The elaborator spells out suggestions in terms of examples or developed meanings, offers a rationale for suggestions previously made, and tries to deduce how any idea or suggestion would work out if adopted by the group.

The summarizer pulls together ideas, suggestions and comments of group members, and group decisions (decisions of the group) to help determine where the group is in its thinking or action process.

The coordinator-integrator clarifies the relationships between various ideas and suggestions, tries to extract key pertinent ideas from member contributions and integrate them into a meaningful whole. He also may try to coordinate and integrate the activities of various members or subgroups.

The orienter defines the position of the group with respect to its goals, points to departures from agreed upon directions or goals, or raises questions about the direction which the group discussion is taking.

The disagreer takes a different point of view, argues against, implies error in fact or reasoning. He may disagree with opinions, values, sentiments, decisions, or procedure.

The evaluator-critic subjects the accomplishment of the group to some set of standards of group-functioning in the context of the group task. Thus, he may evaluate or question the “practicality,” the “logic,” the “facts,” or the “procedure” of a suggestion or of some unit of group discussion.

The energizer prods the group to action or decision, attempts to stimulate the group to “greater” or “higher quality” activity.

The procedural technician expedites group movement by doing things for the group – performing routine tasks; e.g., distributing materials, manipulating objects, rearranging the seating, running the recording machines, etc.

The recorder writes down suggestions, group decisions” or the product of discussion. The recorder role is, the “group memory.”