There are some key differences between being the owner of a group versus being a manager of a group. The group owner has ultimate control and authority over the group, while a group manager has delegated responsibilities from the owner. Understanding the distinction is important for effectively running and participating in groups.
Quick Answers
– The group owner creates and has complete admin control over the group. The group manager has limited admin rights delegated by the owner.
– The owner can add, remove or promote managers. Managers cannot change other managers’ status without the owner’s approval.
– Owners can delete the group, change group settings and visibility. Managers cannot unless specifically allowed.
– Managers assist in moderating members and content, but owners have final say on removing members or content.
– Ownership is established when initially creating a group. Managers are assigned by the owner.
– In the owner’s absence, appointed managers can help run the group through delegated roles.
– Owners ultimately represent the group vision, brand and have liability. Managers help execute based on the owner’s direction.
Responsibilities and Permissions
The key differences come down to the responsibilities and permissions granted to owners versus managers.
Group Owner Responsibilities
– Creating the group and establishing its purpose, rules and intended audience.
– Holding ultimate responsibility over the group, its members and the content shared within it.
– Defining the group’s policies, brand and overall vision.
– Having complete admin control and the highest level of authority over all group settings.
– Adding, removing or promoting managers and moderators.
– Removing any members or content that violate group rules.
– Maintaining liability for any illegal or harmful content posted within the group.
– Deleting the group or changing its visibility setting.
– Modifying the group name, description or other settings.
Group Manager Responsibilities
– Supporting the group’s vision as defined by the owner.
– Managing and moderating members and content under the owner’s oversight.
– Assisting in adding new members or removing those violating rules.
– Posting and sharing content relevant to the group’s interests.
– Coordinating activities and events for the group.
– Promoting the group to grow membership.
– Welcoming new members and orienting them to group guidelines.
– Engaging members to foster a positive environment.
– Reporting any issues or concerns to the group owner.
Group Owner Permissions
– Add, remove or promote any managers, moderators or members.
– Edit or remove any content posted within the group.
– Change the group’s name, description, visibility or other settings.
– Transfer ownership or delete the group.
– Set guidelines and rules for member behavior.
– Ban members and prevent them from re-joining.
– Access all content and data related to the group.
Group Manager Permissions
– Invite and approve new members (may be restricted by owner).
– Remove members violating rules (may require owner approval).
– Edit or delete content based on delegated role.
– Create subordinate roles like moderators.
– Post new content and topics for discussion.
– Communicate with members on the owner’s behalf.
– Plan and coordinate group events/activities.
– Analyze group data like membership and engagement.
Becoming an Owner or Manager
The process for becoming a group owner versus a manager also differs significantly:
Becoming a Group Owner
– Create a new group within a platform or community.
– Define the group’s purpose, brand and establish guidelines.
– Invite initial members to begin growing the group.
– Manage all administrative settings and controls.
– Appoint managers and moderators to delegate roles.
Becoming a Group Manager
– Join an existing group as a member.
– Engage consistently with valuable contributions.
– Volunteer for additional responsibilities.
– Gain the owner’s trust through quality participation.
– Be promoted by the owner to a manager role.
– Accept delegated responsibilities from the owner.
Owner Absence Management
If a group owner needs to step away or becomes inactive in managing the group, appointed managers can help maintain continuity:
– Continue moderating and posting content to keep the group active.
– Make decisions aligned with the owner’s vision for the community.
– Keep engaging members to sustain participation.
– Discuss any major issues or changes with the owner.
– Find new managers if existing ones become inactive.
– Determine if ownership should be transferred or group retired.
– Work with owner to clarify delegated authority if they return.
Summary of Key Differences
| Factor | Owner | Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Created Group | Yes | No |
| Holds Ultimate Authority | Yes | No |
| Can Add/Remove Managers | Yes | No |
| Can Edit Any Content | Yes | With Permission |
| Can Change Group Settings | Yes | With Permission |
| Can Delete Group | Yes | No |
| Has Complete Admin Access | Yes | Limited Access |
| Granted Role By | Created Group | Owner Appointment |
Conclusion
In summary, the group owner established the community and has complete control over all administration, settings, membership and content. Managers are appointed by the owner to help with delegated tasks like moderating content and members. However, managers cannot change settings or permissions without the owner’s approval. Understanding this distinction helps both owners and managers effectively collaborate while ensuring the owner’s vision is maintained.