Effects of language style and functional behavior on perceived leader effectiveness

The effects of functional versus nonfunctional behavior and the use of powerful versus nonpowerful language style on the perceived effectiveness of leaders were investigated in a sample of 97 undergraduate students consisting of sixteen five- to seven-person groups. It was predicted that a powerful language style would result in the leader being rated as effective by members, especially when the leader's task behaviors were functional. Results suggested that functional task behaviors led to ratings of greater effectiveness than nonfunctional behavior, but language style had no effects.