Leadership Styles and Group Dynamics

Leadership function

Main focus or goal of a leader.

Leadership style

Approach used to achieve group goals.

Meritocracy

Advancement based on individual skills and merits.

Out group

Group that an individual does not belong to.

Primary groups

Small, informal groups closest to individuals.

Secondary groups

Larger, task-focused, and time-limited groups.

Triad

A group consisting of three members.

Functionalist perspective

Macro-level view of societal aspects' interrelation.

Conflict perspective

Focus on growth of inequality in society.

Interactionist perspective

Day-to-day interactions within groups.

Aggregate

Collection of individuals in the same location.

Expressive functions

Emotional and supportive roles within a group.

Instrumental functions

Roles focused on tasks and goals.

Reference group

Group individuals compare themselves to.

Laissez-faire leadership

Hands-off approach allowing group autonomy.

Conformity

Compliance with group norms and expectations.

Bystander effect

Reduced likelihood to intervene in emergencies.

Formal organizations

Highly bureaucratic groups like schools or governments.

Normative organizations

Groups formed based on shared interests.

Coercive organizations

Groups individuals are compelled to join.

Total institutions

Controlled environments for inmates or soldiers.

Utilitarian organizations

Groups created for material rewards.

Hierarchy of authority

Chain of command placing individuals in charge.

Division of labor

Specialized tasks assigned to individuals.

Explicit rules

Clearly outlined standards and regulations.

Impersonality

Removal of personal feelings in professional settings.

Iron rule of oligarchy

Governance by a small elite group.

McDonaldization of society

Spread of fast food business model in institutions.

Authoritarian leader

Leader who issues orders and assigns tasks.

Democratic leader

Encourages participation and consensus-building.

Dyad

A group consisting of two members.

Expressive leader

Focuses on emotional well-being of group members.

Group

Collection of at least two interacting individuals.

In-group

Group an individual identifies with and belongs to.

Instrumental leader

Leader focused on task accomplishment.