Group Leader styles have been defined in numerous ways including (but not limited to) the following two characterizations: (1) attention to task or personal relationship and (2); autocratic, democratic, or laissez-faire. Select one of these two categories and compare and contrast the leader styles.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Task style leaders are primarily goal directed, and focused on the work in the group; leaders who have a personal relationship leadership style tend to provide personal/interpersonal support and place a high value on relationships among group members. Effective group leadership requires an appropriate balancing of these two dimensions for leadership to address different situations in the group. OR Autocratic leaders tend to set rules and be more controlling of the action and decision-making process in groups. Democratic leaders tend to equalize relationships, share power and value collaboration among members. Laissez-faires leaders on the other hand tend to offer less support and guidance. Each style will produce different types of interactions which in turn will affect the group’s process and outcomes.