FACILITATIVE STYLE, INDIVIDUAL INNOVATION, AND EMERGENT LEADERSHIP INPROBLEM-SOLVING GROUPS

This study responded to an issue raised in a recent review of leadersh ip research regarding the lack of available data concerning leader cha racteristics and management of creative work groups. Specifically, the effects of facilitative leadership style and individual creative cont ributions on emergent leadership were assessed in an initially leaderl ess creative problem solving situation. Participants were 34 universit y security officers who were divided into four groups to play Island C ommission. At the end of the session, participants rated each other on facilitative style, innovative contribution, and leadership behavior. Both independent variables made a significant contribution to percept ions of leadership (R = .82, p <.0001). Results are discussed in terms of leadership theory, and implications for personnel selection, train ing, and development of creative problem solving teams.