7.2 - Leadership Styles

• Authoritarian

• Democratic

• Laissez-faire

• Transformational

• Transactional

Leadership Styles: (5)

Authoritarian (Autocratic)

Makes all decisions alone without input from members

• Does not discuss long-term goals with the group

• Emphasizes their authority and control

• Dictates tasks and decides who does what

Authoritarian (Autocratic)

Example:

A boss assigns tasks to employees without asking for opinions and expects strict compliance.

Democratic

Discusses all activities with the group before decisions are made

• Allows members to make their own choices about tasks or partners

• Encourages equality and participation in the group

Democratic

Example:

A teacher asks students for input on a project plan and lets them choose their groups.

Laissez-Faire

Rarely gets involved in group activities

• Lets the group make all decisions on their own

• Acts mainly as a resource for technical information rather than directing the group

Laissez-Faire

Example:

A supervisor who only answers questions when asked but does not guide or participate in team projects.

Transformational

Inspires and motivates followers

• Raises their confidence, satisfaction, and commitment

• Unites everyone toward challenging, shared goals

• Helps followers grow, changing their beliefs, values, and needs

Transformational

Example:

A leader who encourages a team to innovate, supports personal growth, and inspires everyone to achieve a big, meaningful project.

Transactional

A traditional form of leadership that involves contributing time, effort, and other resources in the pursuit of collaborative goals in exchange for desired outcomes. 

Transactional

Example:

A manager gives a bonus to employees who meet their sales targets, or a teacher gives grades based on completed assignments.

• Task-oriented

• Relationahip-oriented

• Balancing Both Functions

Leadership Functions In A Group: (3)

Task-Oriented Functions

These functions help the group accomplish its goals and complete tasks efficiently

• Planning & organizing

• Coordinating

• Problem-solving

Example of roles:

(Task-oriented)

Planning & organizing

identifying goals, strategies, and method

Coordinating

aligning members’ efforts and clarifying responsibilities

Problem-solving

making decisions when the group is unsure or conflicted

• Impact on Group : Improves productivity, structure, and direction

Relationship-Oriented (Maintenance) Functions

These functions promote positive social climate and emotional support within group

• Impact on Group: increases satisfaction, belongingness, and harmony.

• Encouraging participation

• Managing tension

• Maintaining cohesion

Example of roles:

(Relationship-oriented)

Encouraging participation

ensuring all members feel included

Managing tension

reducing conflict and emotional strain

Maintaining cohesion

strengthening unity and trust among members

Balancing Both Functions 

Effective leaders recognize when to shift between task and relationship roles depending on the group’s needs

direction

Leaders who focus only on relationships may lack ______. 

Leadership Emergence

Is the process through which one or more individuals become recognized as leaders

• by the group, regardless of formal appointment.

Social Identity Perspective

Group often select leaders who best represent the group’s norms, values, or “prototype”.

• Members trust leaders who feel like “one of us”

Behavioral Cues

talkativeness, confidence, problem-solving ability, and willingness to help often predict who emerges as leader.

• Example: in a school project, the group unofficially follows the member who organizes meetings offers clear direction, even if someone else was originally assigned as “leader.”

• Diverse Personalities 

• Role Stress and expectations

• Maintaining Cohesion

• Decision-Making Pressure 

• Accountability

Challenges Of Leadership In Groups:

• attitudes and behaviors

• pressure

• cliques

• Different ______ and _______ can cause misunderstanding or conflict

• Groups expect leaders to be both task-focused and emotionally supportive, which can create ______.

• Leaders must prevent ______ and keep all members engaged.

• final choices

• blame

• Leaders are often responsible for ______ ______, especially during conflict or uncertainty.

• Leaders are usually _____ for failure and expected to correct problems even if they did not cause them.

• Communication Skills

• Credibility & Responsibility

• Emotional Intelligence

• Adaptability

• Motivational Influence

Effective Leadership Qualities: (5)

• clear, active, and open communication encourages understanding and trust

• members follow leaders who are dependable, fair, and consistent.

• awareness of others’ feelings and the ability to handle emotions constructively helps maintain harmony.

• effective leaders adjust their approach depending on group needs or situational demands

• they inspire effort and commitment by serving as positive role models