Role of group worker as leader

The group worker also plays the role of a leader in the

group. As a professional with sound knowledge base in

human behaviour and social interactions and

interpersonal relations, the group worker is

automatically assumes leadership role. Till the time

the group has its leader from among the members the

worker discharges the funtions of a leader. Douglas

discussed four leadership acts the worker performs viz.,

preparation, intervention (working), intervention

(control) and evaluation.

The worker provides directions to group members in

planning the group activities, making preparations for

carrying out the planned activities and finally in carrying

out activities.

He exercises controls over those members who are

either not cooperative or involving in actions that are

detrimental to the group’s norms and purposes.

Takes initiatives in mobilising the resources both

material and human. Connects members to resource

agencies and persons. Oversees the utilisation of the

available resources by the members for the common

good of the group as well as for the benefit of individual

members.

Reminds member/s about their goals and facilitates

them to pursue their goals.

Protects and supports the weak members from those

members who are inclined to exploit them.

He also performs the role as decision maker. Decision

making is to choose among the alternatives available.

A number of decisions have to be taken in planning and

organising group and its activities. The decision-making

process starts from the conception of the group to that

of termination of the group. At every stage decisions

have to be made. For example, a decision has to be

taken to decide the size and composition of the group

in the formation stage. They have to be made

independently by the worker or made in active

consultation with and involvement of members, agency

administrators and other staff and at times even with

resource and referral agencies. Even though the worker

has conviction in the democratic process, still the

worker is compelled to take decision as the group is in

a fix or dilemma to take decisions.

Finally, the worker as a leader develops and promotes

leadership in the group. The worker identifies the

potential leaders from among the members and creates

opportunities for them to take up leadership

responsibilities.