Communicative Correlates of Perceived Leaders in the Small Group

Abstract

This study addresses the issue of the sensitivity of communicative variables for predicting leadership emergence in long-term, nonlaboratory groups. Seventeen potential leaders were predicted for nine groups, with the expectation that one or both of the predicted leaders would be chosen by their respective groups. One of my choices was confirmed by eight of the nine groups. The findings in this study suggest that communicative functions allow for the selection of potential group leaders. Addi tionally, leaders are chosen for their positive qualities, but appear to embody negative values as well.