Characteristics of Emergent Leaders of Continuing Problem-Solving Groups

Summary

This study evaluated the characteristics of emergent leaders of problem-solving groups with use of semantic differential scales. Subjects were 64 American university undergraduates. Each subject rated all subjects in his group, self included, at each of five sessions. Persons selected as leaders were found by a Q factor analytic technique to cluster on the basis of the following common characteristics: higher than nonleaders in giving directions, formulating goals, and being self-assured; lower than nonleaders in being more quarrelsome and less sensible.

The qualities characteristic of emergent leaders are assigned to them early, remain relatively consistent, and seem independent of personality characteristics. Whether they can be taught to participants who will subsequently be perceived as leaders is currently under investigation.