I/O Psychology 2060 Chapter 13

Positional power The leader The led The influence process The situation

The higher the position in the organization hierarchy, the more power the position has. (positional power) The formal power given to a position (legitimate power)

Many studies considered demographic and personality variables. Others examined what behaviors individual leaders’ exhibit that influences the judgment of whether they are strong or weak leaders. Statements like “strong leaders radiate confidence” and “weak leaders are indecisive” reflect the school of thought that emphasizes the importance of the leader in the leadership process.

Another area of interest is the characteristics of the followers, or the led

Coercion- involves modifying behavior by force Manipulation- is controlled distortion of reality, as seen by those affected. People are allowed to see only those things that will evoke the kind of reaction desired Authority- agents appeal to a mutual decision giving them the right to influence Persuasion- means displaying judgment in such a way that those exposed to it accept its value Instrumental leadership- a leader clarifies the group’s goals Supportive leadership- is friendly and considerate of others’ needs. Only relatively small groups are most influenced by a supportive leader and that instrumental leadership works better in larger groups

Research on situational factors has tried to identify how contexts differ and what effect they have on leader behavior The environment or context in which leadership occurs Situational effects on leader behavior; factors defining favorable situation

Researchers examine such characteristics as the leader’s age, gender, and physical appearance, or they consider verbal and nonverbal behaviors associated with the subsequent emergence. However, a group member with masculine gender-role characteristics emerges as leaders significantly more than those with feminine gender-role characteristics.

A conception that leadership is best understood in terms of traits or dispositions held by an individual that are accountable for the observed leadership.

An extension of the trait approach to leadership is that certain traits are more (or less) important for success depending upon the leadership situation. Some leadership situations call for a leader with a very high energy level, an unrelenting need to advance and achieve, and an unwillingness to accept failure or setbacks

Need for power Need for achievement Need for affiliation

Technical skills Conceptual skills Interpersonal skills

A conception that leadership is best understood in terms of the actions taken by an individual in the conduct of leading a group

Initiating structure Consideration

Monitoring Clarifying

A conception that leadership is best understood by the used of the power and influences exercised by a person with a group