Final answer:
The different ways that people communicate when they lead groups are known as leadership styles, with the authoritarian style exemplifying top-down communication. Democratic and laissez-faire are other recognized leadership styles, each affecting group dynamics and communication differently.
Step-by-step explanation:
Different ways that people communicate when they lead groups are often referred to as leadership styles. The top-down communication pattern is usually associated with an authoritarian leadership style, where orders and decisions flow from the leader to subordinates. In contrast, a democratic leader encourages group participation in decision making, whereas a laissez-faire leader takes a hands-off approach. The cultural sanctions and their role in society, the dynamics of group, such as primary and secondary groups, and how they impact individual behavior and conformity, are also essential aspects to consider in understanding group leadership and communication.
An example of a leadership style with a top-down communication pattern is an authoritarian leader. This style is characterized by issuance of orders and a clear focus on achieving set goals. Sociologists recognize that in addition to authoritarian leadership, there are democratic and laissez-faire styles as well, each with its own unique methods of communication and decision-making processes. Groups, whether primary or secondary, influence how we see ourselves and how we interact within a social context, with group size and structure affecting the dynamic and the need for various leadership styles.