| Information giver | Provides factual information to the group and answer to questions or queries. The information giver is seen as an authority on the subject area and tends to relate own experience when relevant. (e.g., Now our inventory level is about 101 which is rather high in some sense.) |
| information seeker | Requests information in that the seeker requests clarification of comments in terms of their factual adequacy. The information seeker not only seeks expert information, and also determines what information is missing and that needs to be found before moving forward. (e.g., Should we cut the price? So you will cut the price to …?) |
| Orienteer | Orients the group by introducing the agenda and define goals and procedures in that the orienteer reviews and clarifies the group’s position. The role of the orienteer is to keep the group focused and the discussion on track. In doing so, the orienteer summarizes the essence of the group discussion, notes where the group discussion is off the track, and suggests how to get back on target. (e.g., May I remind you that our mission is the top sales?) |
| Initiator/contributor | Seeks new ideas and makes proposal about how to pose original ideas or different ways of approaching problems or goals on different perspectives. This role initiates discussions and move groups into new areas of exploration. (e.g., Let’s talk about the production department.) |
| Opinion giver | Expresses individual opinions and beliefs that are related to the task. The opinion giver often states opinions in terms of what the group “should” do. (e.g., so I think if we want to achieve the cost leadership in the market, we have to cut our price at least not higher than other company.) |
| Opinion seeker | Asks for clarification of the group members’ opinions of. The role of the opinion seeker checks to ensure different perspectives are spoken. (e.g., What do you think we should achieve..er.. Jay? Do you think that the inventory should be kept at the lowest possible level?) |
| Elaborator | Builds on one another’s ideas and suggestions with examples, relevant facts and data. The role of the elaborator tends to also examine the consequences of proposed ideas and actions. (e.g., It means that you will keep the quality at the standard level.) |
| Coordinator | Not only identifies the relationships between ideas, but also pulls together a few different ideas and makes them cohesive. (e.g., And as Mandy has said the cost of the new plant is 2.6 million and we can divide that into 5 installment.) |
| Evaluator-critic | Evaluates the ideas against a predetermined objectives or standards. The role of evaluator-critic also examines the feasibility of a proposal as to determine whether it is fact-based and manageable as a solution. (e.g., But don’t forget that we have 2 additional new lines adding to the production.) |
| Energizer | Stimulates group involvement. The energizer challenges and stimulates the group to further action. (e.g., Let’s come up with the conclusion.) |
| Procedural technician | Takes on routine tasks. The procedural technician facilitates group discussion by taking care of logistical concerns, such as when and where the next meetings are to take place, and the deadlines of actions to be accomplished by each individual member. (e.g., That’s the end of our meeting.) |
| Recorder | Acts as the Secretary or Minute-Keeper. Records ideas and keeps track of what goes on at each meeting. |