Recently, two analysts just out of college have joined your systems analyst group at the newly formed company, Mega Phone. When talking to you about the group, they mention that some things strike them as odd. One is that group members seem to look up to two group leaders, Bill and Penny, not just one. Their observation is that Bill seems pretty relaxed, whereas Penny is always planning and scheduling activities. They have also observed that everyone “just seems to know what to do” when they get into a meeting, even though no instructions are given. Finally, they have remarked on the openness of the group in addressing problems as they arise, instead of letting things get out of hand.

Question

a. By way of explanation to the new team members, label the types of leaders Bill and Penny appear to be, respectively.
b. Explain the statement that “everyone just seems to know what to do.” What is guiding their behavior?
c. What concept best describes the openness of the group that the new team members commented on?

Answer 1

a. Penny is the task leader. She leads members to accomplish tasks, whereas Bill is the socioemotional leader who is concerned with social relationships between group members.

b. There is an openness in the group and no tension is present. Everyone acts according to group norms.

c. Group norms can be implied or expressed. This situation portrays implicit, functional group norms.