Leadership Non-Communication Approaches Chapter 10 February 28, 2002

Overview Perspectives Perspectives –Relational, Interactional, Structural, Functional, Motivational, Perceptual Group Leadership Approaches Group Leadership Approaches –Trait “Great Man Theory of Leadership”  PERSONALITY –Style (e.g., Task & Maintenance Styles)  MANNER –Situational  SITUATION –Contingency Approach (LPC)  RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VARIABLES  trait and situation interaction  Style variables

Group Leadership Perspectives Relational – (interdependent relationships) a group’s leader is the person who is able to act the most independently in relation to the other group members. Relational – (interdependent relationships) a group’s leader is the person who is able to act the most independently in relation to the other group members. Interactional – (interaction) a group’s leader is the person who leads by controlling the interaction that can take place. Interactional – (interaction) a group’s leader is the person who leads by controlling the interaction that can take place. Structural – (roles & norms) natural leadership; a group’s leader is the person who plays the role of “leader” and who performs leadership behaviors. Structural – (roles & norms) natural leadership; a group’s leader is the person who plays the role of “leader” and who performs leadership behaviors. Functional – (social system with goals) leaders are able to perform certain functions to help groups succeed. Functional – (social system with goals) leaders are able to perform certain functions to help groups succeed. Motivational – (react to some force) leaders are associated with the force the guides the group (provides drive or determines means for satisfying it). Motivational – (react to some force) leaders are associated with the force the guides the group (provides drive or determines means for satisfying it). Perceptual – (define and perceive themselves as a group) a group’s leader is determined by group perception. Perceptual – (define and perceive themselves as a group) a group’s leader is determined by group perception. Pavitt’s Perspective Pavitt’s Perspective

Group Leadership Approaches TRAIT APPROACH - People have special qualities that cause them to assume leadership positions in any situation. TRAIT APPROACH - People have special qualities that cause them to assume leadership positions in any situation. “Great Man Theory” “Great Man Theory” RQ: What specific characteristics distinguish leaders from other group members? RQ: What specific characteristics distinguish leaders from other group members? Leadership can be predicted by considering the impact of one variable, the personality of the leader. Leadership can be predicted by considering the impact of one variable, the personality of the leader. FLAWED APPROACH FLAWED APPROACH

Group Leadership Approaches STYLE APPROACH – Leadership is “task-specific” such that a leader’s style determines her or his success. STYLE APPROACH – Leadership is “task-specific” such that a leader’s style determines her or his success. RQ: What leadership style is most appropriate for a given task? RQ: What leadership style is most appropriate for a given task? Leadership can be explained through the effect of one variable, the manner by which the leader leads. Leadership can be explained through the effect of one variable, the manner by which the leader leads. Kurt Lewin’s Three Styles of Leadership Kurt Lewin’s Three Styles of Leadership –Autocratic, Democratic & Laissez Faire Task and Maintenance as Leadership Styles Task and Maintenance as Leadership Styles –Task (Production) & Maintenance (People) –Figure 10.4 – page 12

Group Leadership Approaches SITUATIONAL APPROACH – Leadership is “situation- specific” such that different leadership styles are effective in different situations. SITUATIONAL APPROACH – Leadership is “situation- specific” such that different leadership styles are effective in different situations. RQ: What leadership styles are most appropriate for specific group circumstances (follower maturity level; questions answered) RQ: What leadership styles are most appropriate for specific group circumstances (follower maturity level; questions answered) Hersey & Blanchard’s (1982) “Life Cycle Theory” Hersey & Blanchard’s (1982) “Life Cycle Theory” –Maturity level of followers plays an important role in selecting appropriate leadership behavior. –Follower Readiness X Leader Behavior (guidance X support) Vroom & Yetton’s (1973) “Decision-Making Theory” Vroom & Yetton’s (1973) “Decision-Making Theory” –“Normative Decision Theory” –Developed rules for leaders to follow when selecting among styles

Group Leadership Approaches CONTINGENCY APPROACH – Leadership is best explained by considering the impact of multiple variables simultaneously; concerned with how leadership traits and styles can effect how successful a leader will be in differing group situations CONTINGENCY APPROACH – Leadership is best explained by considering the impact of multiple variables simultaneously; concerned with how leadership traits and styles can effect how successful a leader will be in differing group situations RQ: What strategies can be used to select the best person to perform task leadership functions? RQ: What strategies can be used to select the best person to perform task leadership functions? Fiedler’s (1964, 1967, 1978) “Contingency Theory” Fiedler’s (1964, 1967, 1978) “Contingency Theory” –Least Preferred Co-worker – LPC –Leader-member relations –Task structure –Position power TRAIT, SITUATION, TASK/SITUATION TRAIT, SITUATION, TASK/SITUATION

Summary Perspectives Perspectives –Relational, Interactional, Structural, Functional, Motivational, Perceptual Group Leadership Approaches Group Leadership Approaches –Trait “Great Man Theory of Leadership”  PERSONALITY –Style (e.g., Task & Maintenance Styles)  MANNER –Situational  SITUATION –Contingency Approach (LPC)  RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VARIABLES  trait and situation interaction  Style variables