Consensus between role expectations and role behavior among ministers.

Because of the acute shortage of trained mental health personnel, the role of the minister in community mental health has become increasingly important. Their effectiveness in this role is largely determined by the normative prescriptions defining this role and by their actual behavior which is governed by these norms. This paper deals with the extent to which there is consensus between normative (expected) and actual role behavior of ministers. Some possible reasons for the lack of consensus and its effect on the ministers role are discussed.