Group Property 1: Roles

 

Shakespeare said: “All the world is a stage, and all the men and women are merely players.” Using the same metaphor, all group members are actors, each playing a role. By this term, we mean a set of expected behavior patterns attributed to someone occupying given position in a social unit. 

 

Unfortunately we are required to play a number of diverse roles. One can be engineer, spokesperson, employee, tennis player or parent. Many of these roles are compatible. We are required to play a number of roles, and our behavior varies with each. 

 

Role Perception

Our view of how we are supposed to act in a given situation is a role perception. We engage in certain types of behavior based on how we believe we are supposed to behave. We get these perceptions from stimuli around us such as books or TV.

 

Role Expectations

Role expectations are the way others believe you should act in a given context. The role of a U.S federal judge is viewed as having propriety and dignity, whereas football coach is seen as aggressive, dynamic, and inspiring to his players.

 

Role Conflict

When compliance with one role requirement may make it difficult to comply with another, the result is role conflict. At its extreme, two or more role expectations are mutually contradictory.