Members avoid arguments, smooth over differences, suppress or avoid conflicts. Members are defensive about their ideas. Members are able to give and receive help. All members are involved, free to participate in any way they choose. The chairperson controls the subject matter and makes decisions.
All members accept responsibility for productive discussion and decisions.
Each member's knowledge, abilities, and experience are not utilized. Each member's knowledge, abilities, and experience are fully utilized. Citizens' groups have a special challenge when evaluating and assessing their involvement in a collaborative process, especially when it comes to making a decision to participate in what could be a time consuming and resource intensive negotiation. Citizens' groups often depend on volunteers with many commitments for their time and attention. They may not have clear lines of authority for decision-making.