In the past few weeks you notice that Tom has not said a word and has refused to interact with his teammates. What role is Tom playing?

A) Task-facilitating role, more specifically, reality testing
B) Relationship-building role, more specifically, processing
C) Blocking role, more specifically, rejecting
D) Blocking role, more specifically, resisting
E) Blocking role, more specifically, remaining passive

Answer: E
Explanation: A) Incorrect. Reality testing roles ask questions to ensure that ideas presented are practical and workable.
B) Incorrect. Processing is not a relationship-building role. Also, Tom does not appear to be focused on improving the relationship.
C) Incorrect. Though Tom is performing a blocking role, it is the role of remaining passive, rather than the rejecting role. Rejecting discounts or rejects ideas based on the person who stated them rather than on their merits. In this case, Tom is not rejecting ideas, he is passively undermining team activities. This is the "remaining passive" blocking role.
D) Incorrect. Though Tom is performing a blocking role, it is the role of remaining passive, rather than the resisting role. Resisting blocks all attempts to change, to improve, or to make progress. The resisting person is vocally disagreeable and negative about all suggestions from team members. In this case, Tom is not vocal, he is passively undermining team activities. This is the "remaining passive" blocking role.
E) Correct. Tom is passively undermining team progress by refusing to participate. This is the "remaining passive" blocking role.