What is a key characteristic of social roles?

The correct answer highlights that social roles dictate the interactions and behavior of group members. This reflects the fundamental nature of social roles, which serve as expectations for how individuals should behave in a given context or within a specific group. These roles help establish order and predictability in social situations, guiding members on how to interact with one another based on the functions or positions they occupy.

For example, in a workplace, the social roles may delineate behaviors for managers, employees, and support staff, influencing how they communicate, collaborate, and hold each other accountable. By fulfilling these roles, group members contribute to the group's overall dynamics and performance, showcasing how roles shape social interactions.

On the other hand, the other options do not accurately reflect the dynamic nature of social roles. Social roles can change over time and adapt to new circumstances, they often encourage collaboration rather than promoting individuality, and while personal preferences can influence behavior, social roles are predominantly shaped by cultural expectations and situational contexts rather than individual choices.