Leadership Styles and Group Dynamics

Flashcards for reviewing leadership styles, types of power, approaches to leadership, reasons for joining a group, leadership attributes and qualities of effective group leaders.

Laissez-Faire Leadership

A hands-off approach where the leader makes no policies or group related decisions, best in highly skilled/motivated groups, fosters creativity and participation.

Authoritarian Leadership

A leader exerts maximum control over a group, beneficial when a group is lost or disorganized, but can lead to tension and resentment.

Democratic Leadership

Decision-making power is shared among group members; the leader facilitates discussion and guides the group in the right direction.

Directive Leaders

Provide psychological structure by communicating expectations, keeping a schedule, providing guidance, and setting rules.

Participative Leaders

Include group members in the decision-making process by soliciting and considering their opinions.

Supportive Leaders

Show concern for followers' needs and emotions, reducing stress and creating a positive climate.

Achievement-Oriented Leaders

Strive for excellence, set challenging goals, seek improvement, and exhibit confidence in group members.

Legitimate Power

Power that flows from the officially recognized position, status, or title of a group member.

Expert Power

Power that comes from knowledge, skills, or expertise that other group members do not possess.

Referent Power

Power derived from the attractiveness, likeability, and charisma of the group member.

Information Power

Power that comes from a person's ability to access information through informal channels and established networks.

Reward Power

Power derived from the ability to provide positive incentives as a compliance-gaining strategy.

Coercive Power

Power derived from the ability to provide negative incentives.

Trait Approach (Great Person Theory)

Leadership is determined by intrinsic, inherited characteristics and personality traits.

Behavioral Approach

Examines the behavior of people in leadership situations, focusing on leadership style and its influence on group performance.

Functional or Group Approach

Focuses on the accountabilities, responsibilities, and functions of the leader and the nature of the group.

Transformational Leadership Approach

Creates a vision for transforming the organization and appeals to higher ideals and values.

Transactional Leadership Approach

Based on exchanges between the leader and the organization/employee, where rewards are given for actions.

Proximity, Interaction, and Influence

People join groups because they work near each other, have frequent contact, or influence each other's behavior.

Security

Joining a group can reduce insecurity and provide reassurance, explaining the appeal of unions.

Esteem

Group membership can increase self-esteem, especially when associating with high-status groups.

Power (group context)

Group membership offers power through unity and the potential for leadership within the group.

Role Model (Leadership Attribute)

Leaders live values and lead by example, demonstrating integrity and supporting people.

Inspirer (Leadership Attribute)

Leaders create an inspiring vision, set directions, and encourage risk-taking and experimentation.

Enabler (Leadership Attribute)

Leaders help people grow, empower others, build teams, and leverage diversity.

Achiever (Leadership Attribute)

Leaders focus on results, are persistent, discover opportunities, lead change, and learn from feedback.

Self-Awareness (Quality of Effective Group Leaders)

Being aware of one's own identity, cultural perspective, goals, strengths, limitations, and problems.

Caring Attitude (Quality of Effective Group Leaders)

Giving warmth, concern, and support when a group member needs it.

Actively Listening (Quality of Effective Group Leaders)

Clarifying and summarizing what members want to accomplish.

Personal Dedication and Commitment (Quality of Effective Group Leaders)

Believing in the value of group process and having a vision of how groups can empower individuals.