Facilitativeness in Small Groups: A Process-Oriented Study Using Lag Sequential Analysis

Abstract

This study assessed the interaction patterns between leaders and members of small groups over time. The interactions were coded self- or other-directed and facilitative or nonfacilitative to open communication. There were a total of 3,174 interactions scored by trained raters from 20 videotapes collected from 5 groups. Lag Sequential Analysis was used to assess the influence of the leaders' communication on members' communication over a period of several interactions. When leaders were facilitative and directed their communication to the group, members were significantly more facilitative than when leaders referred to themselves and/or expressed nonfacilitative communication. The leaders' influence persisted over time.