individuals and groups- MF3

Question 1

power bases

Answer 1

Power is the ability to bring about change or do something.
Examples can be ‘given’ by a group that perceives an individual’s/group to hold qualities of knowledge/attributes that deem them to be a suitable leader. OR Individuals/group enacts their power through utilising resources to bring about changes.
Power and control - the two qualities are intrinsically linked particularly in relation to leadership.

Question 2

types of power bases

Answer 2

Legitimate
Expert
Reward
Coercive
Referent

Question 3

what is legitimate

Answer 3

A legitimate power base comes with a designated position, usually agreed or voted on by the community members or governing body.

e.g School prefect,
Local Mayor.

Question 4

what is expert

Answer 4

Comes from the knowledge or expertise of an individual in a given field. Group members may look up to the leader for guidance because they hold the leader’s knowledge in high regard.

e.g University professor,
teacher

Question 5

what is rewarder

Answer 5

The leader is able to give merit/reward.

e.g Teacher who gives gold stars for work.

Question 6

what is Coercive

Answer 6

Derived from ability of a leader to give or take away privileges or rights and so influence group behaviour. The power can be used positively or negatively.

e.g Parents: threaten to ground kids if they misbehave

Question 7

what is Referent

Answer 7

This comes from the followers of an individual’s looks or attributes. Such power often encourages followers to look or act like the leader.

e.g. Social Media followers dressing/purchasing the same things as the person they follow.

Question 8

define leadership

Answer 8

A person who has direct and indirect effect on a group

Question 9

define self-leadership

Answer 9

A developed sense of who they are, what they value and a clear vision of their goals. They use this to lead
They have self-drive.
Take responsibility and ownership

Question 10

personal characteristics of a self-leader

Answer 10

Self-awareness
Self-confidence
Self-efficiency

Question 11

autocratic

Answer 11

Also referred to as authoritarian.

Characterised by individual control over all decisions, allows for little input. Typically make choices based on own ideas/judgements/perceptions. Involves absolute control over a group

Reduces indiv. creativity, erodes performance, little recognition, punishes workers, low job satisfaction, conflict, members cease to contribute, decreased self-esteem and confidence, fear of failure, decreased morale.

Question 12

democratic

Answer 12

Also referred to as participative.
Members of the group take more participative role in the decision-making process. Linked to high productivity.

Builds trust and respect, empowering, considerate of feelings and opinions, cooperation and teamwork, less conflict, feel valued and increased levels of communication.

Question 13

Laissez faire

Answer 13

Also referred to as autonomous or delegative.
Leaders are ‘hands off’, allow group members to make own decisions. Linked to low productivity
Demotivational, lack of group cohesion, chaotic, members worth not recognised, groups likely to disband, undesirable consequences.

Question 14

Transformational

Answer 14

Inspires positive change in followers.
Are concerned and involved in the process; focused on helping every member succeed

Increases self-esteem & worth, effective and satisfying to work for, increased productivity. Enhances levels of voluntary support, higher levels of group and individual achievement.

Question 15

Factors that influence leadership

Answer 15

1. knowledge and skills
2. relationships
3. attitudes
4. type of task

Question 16

knowledge and skills: factors that influence leadership

Answer 16

Leaders and group members can mutually influence each other and the role that the leader plays.

Leaders must recognise and utilise skills, expertise and knowledge within a group. This enables them to control this aspects to utilise them effectively.

E.g. A group that is creating a website for fashion – the leader may adopt a delegative (laissez-faire) style that allows for group members with expertise to take ownership over components of the task.

Question 17

attitudes: factors that influence leadership

Answer 17

Attitudes are a key component of group cohesiveness and leadership. The attitudes of group members will influence the effectiveness of the group. It is the leader’s responsibility to cultivate the appropriate environment and mood.

Effective leaders are able to recognise negative attitudes and work towards overcoming these. They utilise skills of open-mindedness, communication, management and develop relationships.

Question 18

relationships: factors that influence leadership

Answer 18

Two aspects – relationship between leader and group, relationship between group members.
Key for the leader to develop and establish a rapport with and amongst group members.
An autocratic approach to leadership may develop rapport between group members through shared experiences. It will impact on the relationship with the leader and also on the effectiveness of the group.

Question 19

type of task: factors that influence leadership

Answer 19

The environment and setting that a group/individual is in will affect the leadership style adopted.
Factors that influence leadership style: Time constraints, deadlines, size of the task, responsibility associated with the task.
E.g. in an emergency the autocratic leadership style may be adopted to provide clear, succinct information to achieve a positive outcome.