Final answer:
Leadership functions and styles are critical in managing groups. Instrumental leaders focus on accomplishing tasks, while expressive leaders nurture the group's emotional well-being. Different leadership styles, such as democratic, authoritarian, and laissez-faire, cater to different group dynamics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Leadership in any group involves two primary functions: instrumental leadership and expressive leadership. Instrumental leaders are primarily concerned with achieving set goals and tasks. They could be likened to an army general or a corporate CEO, who are focused on strategic planning and execution. On the other hand, expressive leaders focus on the emotional health and wellness of the group, fostering a supportive environment and maintaining morale. Examples of expressive leaders include social workers, religious figures, and directors of youth programs.
These leadership functions are manifested in different styles such as democratic leadership, authoritarian leadership, and laissez-faire leadership. The effectiveness of a leadership style can depends on the group's size, structure, and objectives. For instance, a democratic leader may seek consensus in decision-making, an authoritarian leader may make decisions independently, and a laissez-faire leader might take a more hands-off approach.
In secondary groups like the military or corporate settings, leadership tends to be more formalized with clear roles, responsibilities, and a chain of command. These groups require strong leadership to function successfully, especially in situations where the stakes are high, such as in battle or in high-pressure business scenarios. Understanding different leadership functions and styles is key to effective group leadership.