Team roles

Team-role is a term used to describe the behaviour pattern characteristic of an individual participant in the interaction that takes place in a team situation, particularly with regard to their positive contribution to the effectiveness of the team. There are various screens that distinguish useful types which are generally based on personality types that can be measured by different testing procedures. Most individuals appear to have a primary team-role to which they have the greatest affinity and a back-up or secondary team-role. There is also evidence that roles can be chosen or even assigned on a rotational basis.[Advantages]

Understanding the gifts that different roles can bring to team creativity allows for a greater use of human resources. The complementary role played by people who would not immediately be considered as compatible can dramatically enhance team performance. Rotating the roles played by different members has many advantages; in particular 1) it increases the repertoire of each member; 2) it continuously reframes the structure and interpersonal system of the team; 3) it gives members the chance to experience different perceptions of each other and of the team process; 4) it puts members into a situation of equality; 5) it generates an ongoing training component; 6) it distributes the burden of responsibility onto each member.

[Disadvantages]

Delineating roles within a team can constrain creative innovation and reduce the structure of choice when selecting team members. Some criteria are reductionistic. For example, selecting members for specific technical demands is most often done on the basis of their past experience and qualifications, and although they may fit this "functional role" there is little consideration given to personal characteristics or aptitudes that will influence the effectiveness of the team as a creative whole. Role delineation is useful if it is used to encourage flexible structures and response patterns and problematic if it becomes rigid and constricting.