individuals and groups- MF3 Flashcards
power bases
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.
types of power bases
Legitimate
Expert
Reward
Coercive
Referent
what is legitimate
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.
what is expert
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
what is rewarder
The leader is able to give merit/reward.
e.g Teacher who gives gold stars for work.
what is Coercive
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
what is Referent
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.
define leadership
A person who has direct and indirect effect on a group
define self-leadership
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
personal characteristics of a self-leader
Self-awareness
Self-confidence
Self-efficiency
autocratic
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.
democratic
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.
Laissez faire
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.
Transformational
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.
Factors that influence leadership
- knowledge and skills
- relationships
- attitudes
- type of task
knowledge and skills: factors that influence leadership
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.
attitudes: factors that influence leadership
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.
relationships: factors that influence leadership
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.
type of task: factors that influence leadership
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.
