Leadership as medium: A leaderless group discussion model Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • Two models of group leadership are articulated: (1) a group leadership influence model, and (2) a leaderless group discussion model. A group leadership influence model assumes that leaders are more effective when they are active within the group and that this activity level is positively associated with group productivity. A leaderless group discussion model maintains that effective leadership is more docile and that the group's overall leadership activity versus the activity of an individual leader is a better predictor of group productivity. The assumptions of these two competing models of group leadership were tested in a laboratory descriptive study. The results suggest that a leaderless group discussion model provides a better understanding of the data. Implications for group leadership from a leaderless group discussion perspective are discussed. 1989, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC. All rights reserved.

published proceedings

  • Communication Quarterly

author list (cited authors)

  • Barge, J. K.

citation count

  • 11

complete list of authors

  • Barge, J Kevin

publication date

  • January 1989