Role Differentiation In Groups

Abstract

Empirical tests of leadership role differentiation theory have been limited to experimental groups This article examines the degree of differentiation between mstrumental and expressive leadership roles m two natural groups (college football teams) that have high consensus regardmg task goals and high task legitimacy. As predicted, there is a relatively high degree of leadership role integration, with several members of each group chosen as fulfilling both leadership roles. All these leaders have high formal task status. There are also some leaders who are task or social leaders only. Task specialists all score high on formal task status, while social specialists all score high on group seniority. Finally, the three types of leaders tend to receive higher rates ojmterpersonal attraction (respect and liking) than do nonleaders and the most highly chosen leaders are the most respected.