Effects of leadership style and goal setting method on group task performance and satisfaction.

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of leadership style and goal setting method on group task performance and satisfaction. Participants were 56 college students enrolled in an introductory psychology course at a mid western university. Participants were assigned to groups that competed in a 20 questions activity and completed a group task satisfaction questionnaire designed for this study. Results indicated that participative leadership improves a group's task satisfaction and is most effective at increasing performance measures related to efficiency, rather than overall performance. In terms of degree of influence, goal setting method has a greater effect on performance while leadership has a greater influence on group task satisfaction. Finally, the combined effects of leadership style and goal setting method can be additive, with directive leadership proving superior when combined with assigned or do-your-best goal setting conditions.