LEADERSHIP IN SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION

LEADERSHIP IN SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION

INTRODUCTION

Leadership can be defined as the art of influencing the activities of an organized group in the efforts to goal setting and achievement. Therefore, a leader tries to influence the actions of others in a goal-oriented group activity. A leader must have the ability to motivate others voluntarily. The purpose of leadership in group communication is set to meet three challenges (Surname page 1). These challenges are one, to set objectives, provide strategic direction, and lastly, to provide a shared vision. Leadership is a communication factor and complex of a belief that is associated with a high-status position formally recognized by group members. This paper aims at conducting research on leadership and how it can be applied in small group communication.

WHY PEOPLE BECOME LEADERS

Leaders emerge because of the situation. Situational contexts that surround a group determine the kind of leaders that are best suited. Research shows that leaders with high task orientation are likely to emerge like in a highly structured context such as a factory. Additionally, relationally oriented leaders are likely to emerge in less formal structure contexts(Surname page 1). Local business owners who form a group for professional networking would prefer a leader with a relational-oriented style since the group members are already leaders in their own right

Group leaders emerge based on competence and communication skills. In this type of approach, the communication behavior of a group determines the particular leadership function. This approach is paramount for communication scholars who want to improve their leadership skills. A group leader with high communication competence can facilitate brainstorming and group discussions to enhance the creativity and quality of group members’ ideas.

Leaders may also emerge because of their traits. Some traits that leaders share are related to physical appearance, personality, and intelligence. Leaders tend to be taller and more attractive than other members (Surname page 2). This is because large size and strength are associated with good leadership. They also speak fluently and communicate more often than other members of a group. Lastly, members are likely to recognize an emergent leader who they perceive to be more intelligent than them..

LEADERSHIP STYLES

The first leadership style is direct leadership. Direct leaders provide psychological structure by clearly communicating and providing specific guidance to group members towards the achievement of certain goals. This type of leader is a good motivator who encourages productivity through positive reinforcement. It is the most suitable during crisis situations where decisions are made under time constraints and pressures.

Secondly, participative leadership. Participative leaders include group members in decision-making processes by considering their opinions (Surname page 3). In this type of leadership, group members feel included, and their personal goals align well with the group goals. The group members feel respected and trusted, which increases their effort and output as well. Therefore, when group members participate more, they buy group norms, which increase their productivity.

Lastly, supportive leadership. Supportive leaders express concern for their members’ emotions and needs. These leaders create a positive climate which increases member’s feelings towards group task. Supportive leaders encourage social cohesion and competently provide constructive criticism within an organization in order to enhance group members’ contributions. A supportive leadership style is most suitable in groups that are primarily relational.

HOW LEADERSHIP AFFECTS SMALL GROUP COMMUNICATION

A leader can gain legitimacy through power base. A person can become a leader by being elected or appointed. This person now exercises powers such as making final group decisions and other leadership functions. This leader can punish or give rewards to group members. If the person can give coercion, then they can serve the functions of the group. Additionally, a leader can have an influence on a group by giving out rewards. Rewards can either be tangible such as a promotion or intangible such as praise and acknowledgment. Occasionally, the expert in that particular field is the one who becomes the leader of the group. The expert who solves problems as they arise is allowed to lead the group. Therefore, one can become a group leader in small group communication by giving rewards and punishment, being the legitimate or if the person is an expert in that particular field.

Leadership approaches can be used to identify a leader from a group. These approaches are namely; trait approach, function approach, and style approach. Group members may share the various group functions Function approach can be used to get a leader where the person who does most of the leadership functions is recognized as the leader. The member who displays leadership behaviors then becomes the leader.

Personal behaviors can fit the leadership needs of a group. If a group needs a particular type of leadership, then the person with such type of leadership behaviors takes charge of the group. The major types of leadership styles are democratic and autocratic leadership. Lastly, personal traits can be identified to determine whether one can become a good leader or not. These personal traits include achievement orientation, and self-confidence. Personal traits of each group member are analyzed to see who suits better for the leadership position.

In conclusion, leadership is a very key concept in small group communication. Leaders perform the major roles in a group and guide the decisions of the group members. Group members may emerge as leaders based on competence, situation, or because of their personal traits. The above leadership approaches are used to determine the member who best suits for the leadership position.

Work cited

AUTHOR “A Primer on Communication Studies.” Chapter 13, 2012.