EMERGENT LEADERSHIP IN THE GROUP GOAL-SETTING PROCESS

This study examined the relationships between group goal setting and t he emergence of leadership. Specifically, groups were assigned either group goals, individual goals, or both group and individual goals to d etermine how the type of goal relates to the frequency of leadership e mergence. In addition, other antecedents and the consequences of emerg ent leadership were tested. A sample of 468 college students performed an interdependent word-building task in groups of four. Results indic ated that the nature of the assigned goal did not influence leader eme rgence. Emergence was, however related to individual task ability and commitment to the assigned group goal. Groups in which leaders emerged outperformed groups without emergent leaders, but perceptions of free riding were nor affected. Finally, the emergent leader's personal goa l for the group strongly influenced the group's chosen goal for the gr oup. The implications and limitations of these findings and suggestion s for future research are discussed.