COMMUNICATIVE LEADERSHIP: GENERAL CONCEPT

Abstract

The main purpose of the article is to give the definition of the concept of communicative leadership. Also, we aim to provide an overview of our research on leadership in communication including central communication behaviors of leaders. We explain the role of communicative leader as well. This is the one who engages employees in dialogue, actively shares in order to find feedback, practices participative decision-making and is perceived as open and involved. In our research we point out the important communication roles of team leaders. The events and messages of the leaders have impact on sensemaking processes and actions of leaders and employees. Key communication behaviors of leaders are to initiate structure, facilitate, relate and represent. Together, these behaviors lead to important features that drive organizational performance: employee role clarity, commitment and engagement as well as team cohesion and confidence. As a result of role clarity, employee commitment, and engagement; communicative leadership leads to higher levels of individual performance. As a result of unit cohesion, confidence, and effective group processes; communicative leadership leads to higher levels of performance at the unit level. In the article we share the main principles of the communicative leadership. They can guide the development of leadership theory and practice. Communicative leaders coach and enable employees to be self-managing; provide structures that facilitate the work; set clear expectations for quality and productivity; engage in problem-solving; convey direction and assist others in achieving their goals; enable and support sensemaking and engage in framing of messages and events.