The Facilitator Behavior Index

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop an instrument which might identify, in more than a global way, persons having attributes of a group facilitator judged effective by both his peers and superiors. A pilot instrument was developed, administered and tested against currently available global rating measures in two independent trials. The factor analysis indicated that three main attributes make independent contributions to the judged effectiveness of an encounter group facilitator: (a) generalized interpersonal sensitivity, (b) ability to express spontaneously a full range of emotions and feelings, (c) nondirective leadership style. The scale developed is seen as a useful feedback tool to aid in group-facilitator training, as well as a promising evaluation technique. A finding of this study would lead one to wonder about the effect of group consensus as a method of rating the effectiveness of group facilitators.

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