The Representative Function: Neglected Dimension of Leadership Behavior

Abstract

This paper reports the results of an empirical test of the thesis that an adequate concept of leadership must include the performance of the leader in representing the interests of the group to higher organizational levels and to the organization's clientele. Two indexes were developed and incorporated into a Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire. Data from 872 elementary school teachers describing the behavior of 53 elementary school principals provided tentative support for the hypotheses.' R. Jean Hills is assistant professor of educational administration, Cornell University.