Appendix D SELECTING A FRUIT : "'..,/' EXERCISE* The objectives of this exercise-the selection of a fruit by a group-are to develop through role playing an understanding of leadership that is distributed and functional and to give you an opportunity to observe the task and maintenance functions in a decision-making group. Exercise material s include observation sheets for task and maintenance behavior and a la. rge envelope containing specific role-playing instructions for each group member. The exercise is developed for seven to ten participants, although more may be included. The coordinator should allow approximately thirty minutes conducting it, and proceeding as follows: 1. Explain the exercise, by stating objectives and discussing the following group functions. ·, Task functions-types of behaviol'S which are necessary to the group's fulfillment of its task. ' ' a. Starter: Initiates action within the group by proposing goals and tasks. b. Direction Giver: Suggests plans on how to proceed and focuses attention on the task to be done. c. I:aormation and Opinion Seeker: Asks for facts, information, opinions, tdeas and feelings from other group members to help group discussion. d.. Information and Opinion Giver: Provides facts, infonnation, ideas and relevant data to help group discussion.. · . e. ~aborator: Building on previous comment, giving examples, enlarging on lt. f. Energizer: Stimulates a higher quality of work from the group. g. Coordinator: Shows relationships among various ideas by pulling tbelll together and harmonues activities of various subgroups and member S· h. Consensus Taker: Checks the group to see if the members an: read Y to make decision or take some action.. i. Evaluator: Compares group decisions and accomplishments with gto UP standards and goals. j. Reality Tester: Examines the practicalitr, and workability of ideas. ~ alternatives, solutions, and applies them to real situations to see...,~ will work. Adapted from Johnson, D. W. and Johnson, F. P. {1975). Joining Together:~ Theory and Group Skills. F. n,glewood Cliffs., NJ. Prentice-Hall. Inc. 1975, PP. 31 · 1,fi1 