Group maintenance roles

standard setter

expresses standards for the group to acheive in its functioning or applies norms in evaluating the quality of the group process

compromiser

giving up of power, admitting error, or agreeing with the group by altering his/her opinion

follower

goes along with the sense of the group, serving as an audience for group discussion

gatekeeper

keeps communication channels open by encouraging and facilitaing the participation of other group members or by regulating the flow of communication in the group

group observer

keeps records of group process and helps the group evaluate its own procedures by presenting feedback

harmonizer

mediates differences between members, attempts to reconcile disagreements, and relieves tension in conflict situations

encourager

praises, agrees with, and accepts the contribution of others