Leader Behavior,Group Size,and Member Satisfaction in University Christian Growth Groups

Abstract

The relationship of group size, leader consideration behavior, and leader initiating structure behavior with member satisfaction was assessed. Respondents included 57 members of 14 small Christian growth groups made up primarily of evangelical undergraduate university students. Members' responses indicated that leader consideration and initiating structure were independent dimensions rather than two extremes of one dimension. Leaders were reported to exhibit somewhat less initiating structure behavior than members thought was desirable. Correlations and regression analyses showed that the absolute value of the discrepancy between actual and ideal leader initiating structure was more highly related to satisfaction than was actual initiating structure alone. Leader consideration was proportionately related to member satisfaction while group size was inversely related to satisfaction. When leading groups or training leaders of groups similar to those studied, the best amount of leader initiating structure should be determined partly on the basis of member expectations, expectations which may change during the life of a group.

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