Role, Purpose, and Function
The Safety Committee's Role
You don't have to climb a mountain and sit on a big rock for six days to visualize the safety committee's role. However, it will take more thought to develop the safety committee to meet the expected behaviors and outcomes necessary to fulfill its role.
First, let's look at the concept of "role" and how it applies to the safety committee. Look up the definition, and you'll find something like:
- A part assumed or played by a person or group in a particular situation;
- The position a person or group has in a situation, organization, or relationship.
- A prescribed or expected behavior pattern associated with a position or status in a group or organization.
As you can see, a role defines who we are, how we should behave personally, and what we should do as individuals or groups.
I'm sure the position you hold in your company has some sort of formal title that helps you and others identify your role and associated duties. Along with that role come assigned responsibilities and status. Every role you play has a set of expected behaviors and activities considered appropriate for that role.
Take a look at the following list of common roles we play. The odds are you play one or more of these roles.
- At home: mother, wife, father, husband, son, daughter, aunt, uncle.
- In the community: youth group leader, coach, club officer.
- At work: receptionist, supervisor, welder, trainer, nurse.
Of course, there are many more roles we can play, but you get the idea. Each role is unique with its own set of performance expectations.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-1. Which is a term we use to define who we are and what is expected of our individual and group behaviors?
You forgot to answer the question!