Some differences in certain communication behaviors of autocratic and democratic group leaders.

Abstract

The major purpose of this study was to investigate 12 hypothesized differences between certain communication behaviors of autocratic and democratic group leaders. The hypotheses were derived from prior literature on characteristics that differentiate the two leadership styles. A second purpose was to develop an instrument to be used in identifying autocratic and democratic leaders. Twenty-one autocratic and 21 democratic adult, 4-H club leaders were identified by use of the paired comparison instrument developed in the study. These individuals led their club groups in 30 minute discussions of several prescribed questions. The discussions were taped, and the leaders' communication behaviors were content analyzed into the categories used to test the hypotheses. Seven of the 12 hypotheses were confirmed; two approached sisllficance (p < .10), and three were not confirmed. The patterns of task-oriented communication were consistent with theoretic expectations. The findings are discussed and interpreted as reflecting varying commitments to particular dimensions of group process on the part of autocratic and democratic group leaders. Moreover, it was suggested that confirmation of the hypotheses underscores the potential utility of the paired comparison instrument developed to identify autocratic and democratic leaders.