Emergent Leadership in the Group Goal-Setting Process

This study examined the relationships between group goal setting and the emergence of leadership. Specifically, groups were assigned either group goals, individual goals, or both group and individual goals to determine how the type of goal relates to the frequency of leadership emergence. In addition, other antecedents and the consequences of emergent leadership were tested. A sample of 468 college students performed an interdependent word-building task in groups offour. Results indicated that the nature of the assigned goal did not influence leader emergence. 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 not affected. Finally, the emergent leader's personal goalfor the group strongly influenced the group 's chosen goal for the group. The implications and limitations of these findings and suggestions forfuture research are discussed.