Final answer:
True, characteristics such as flexibility, enthusiasm, and common sense in group leaders can significantly influence group dynamics, affecting everything from decision-making to member satisfaction and group cohesiveness.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, special characteristics of group leaders such as flexibility, enthusiasm, and common sense can have a tremendous positive impact on group dynamics. Leadership styles, including democratic, authoritarian, and laissez-faire, as well as leader characteristics, influence group functions. Democratic leaders promote participation and consensus, while authoritarian leaders may impose decisions and often have less need for follower input. Different leadership styles may mesh differently with followers' personalities, such as varying levels of extroversion.
Leaders play a key role in managing collective action problems by offering incentives to induce activity among individuals or to foster a sense of community among group members with similar concerns. In addition, some leaders may adopt a socialized charismatic style, focused on egalitarian behavior and collective interests, as opposed to a personalized leadership style which tends to be driven by self-interest and less concerned with the welfare of followers.
The size of the group affects group dynamics and the likelihood of different types of leadership being successful. Ultimately, a leader's personality traits and style can significantly affect group outcomes, including the group's emotional health, efficiency, and the potential for collective action.