Group Roles as Evidenced in Mean Girls Movie Review

Group Roles as Evidenced in Mean Girls - Movie Review Example You have probably worked in groups that are effective and groups that are less or not effective. While there is no magic elixir upon knowing what moves groups forward and what limits their progress can be helpful whenever you are working in a group or team. In order for the group members of the team to have a harmonious relationship with each other they need to determine the strength and weakness of one other. To ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of each member of the group they need to identify the characters or roles of each member of the group. This will enable the group to help themselves adjust and cope with the each other and this will hasten to achieve the groups' desired goals harmoniously. There are certain and specific roles under a certain category that each member possesses during a group communication. Two theorists on group behavior were Kenneth Benne and Paul Sheats, who wrote an influential article titled "Functional Roles of Group Members" back in the 1940s. In it, they defined 26 different group roles that can be played by one or more people within a group. Their work influenced other early research and thinking on group functions. And whilst more recent research has refined many of these ideas. Benne and Sheats defined three categories of group roles: task roles, personal/social roles, and dysfunctional or individualistic roles. One of the films that portray a good representation of a group role ... Cady Heron's role in that group is the opinion giver because she expresses her own opinions and beliefs on a certain matter that her friends were initializing. Often states opinions in terms of what the group should do and should not do. This is because she grew up in a place where her parents taught her moral values. She is also the encourager she affirms supports and praises the efforts of fellow group members. Demonstrates warmth and provides a positive attitude towards her friends. In one of the films best lines after a telling off from Regina, Cady tries to comfort Karen wherein she told Karen that she is not stupid. She is also the harmonizer of the group she conciliates differences between individuals. Seeks ways to reduce tension and diffuse a situation. She is also an observer because she provides feedback to the group about how it is functioning. Another powerful character in that movie is Regina George. Although the high school students seemed to both adore and loath Regina George, her powerful position within the social organization at the school had many visible effects on her followers' behavior. Classmates copied Regina's style and vocabulary, and passed along Regina's gossip with vigor. In fact, the behavior of her closest friends was regulated by specific rules governing what to wear, who to date, and who to befriend. Their proximity to power was intoxicating despite Regina's mistreatment-so much so that when Gretchen was demoted to a lower position in the social hierarchy, "she knew it was better to be in the Plastics-hating life-than to not be in at all." Regina is the aggressor of the group she makes personal attacks using belittling and insulting comments, for example, "That's the most