Leadership as a task process uncertainty control process

Abstract

A theory and models for predicting rated leadership effectiveness is presented for emergent groups. The theory is an extension of a theory of group structures. Leadership is viewed as a task process uncertainty control process. Leadership is viewed in terms of how a person's behavior contributes to the control of task process uncertainty. Persons in both leader and non leader roles can be judged high or low in leadership effectiveness. The theory is developed to form models to explain rated leadership effectiveness in four major processes: (1) selecting structures, (2) implementing structures, (3) correcting errors, and (4) revising structures.

Experimental tests of the models were made with five person laboratory groups under stringent conditions. The models generate correct predictions under these laboratory conditions. There is a discussion of the implications and limitations of the findings.