Describe types and styles of group leadership

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Instrumental leadership is goal- or task-oriented? this type of leadership is most

appropriate when the group's purpose is to complete a task or reach a particular goal.

Expressive leadership provides emotional support for members? this type of leadership

is most appropriate when the group is dealing with emotional issues and when harmony,

solidarity, and high morale are needed. Both kinds of leadership are needed for groups

to work effectively. Three major styles of leadership exist in groups: authoritarian,

democratic, and laissez-faire. Authoritarian leaders make all major group decisions and

assign tasks to members. These leaders focus on the instrumental tasks of the group

and demand compliance from others. In times of crisis, such as war or natural disaster,

authoritarian leaders may be commended for their decisive actions. In other situations,

however, they may be criticized for being dictatorial and for fostering intergroup

hostility. By contrast, democratic leaders encourage group discussion and decision

making through consensus building. These leaders may be praised for their expressive,

supportive behavior toward group members, but they may also be blamed for being

indecisive in times of crisis. Laissez-faire leaders are only minimally involved in

decision making and encourage group members to make their own decisions. On the

one hand, laissez-faire leaders may be viewed positively by group members because

they do not flaunt their power or position. On the other hand, a group that needs active

leadership is not likely to find it with this type of leadership, which does not work

vigorously to promote group goals.