Nominal Leadership: A Review of the Concept and its Implications
Introduction
Leadership is a vital component of successful organizations and teams. However, the concept of leadership is not limited to traditional hierarchical leadership roles, as there is a growing body of research exploring the concept of nominal leadership. This article provides an overview of the concept of nominal leadership, including its definition, development, and implications for organizational research and practice.
Definition
Nominal leadership is defined as “the informal leadership role assumed by an individual who is not officially appointed to any formal leadership position but who is able to exert influence and control over the behavior and actions of other group members” (Kozlowski, Gully, McHugh, & Salas, 1996, p. 87). The individual who takes on the nominal leadership role is referred to as the nominal leader. Nominal leadership is distinct from formal leadership in that it is not associated with any official authority or responsibility. Rather, it emerges from the interactions and dynamics of the group.
Development
The concept of nominal leadership was first developed in the early 1990s. Researchers such as Kozlowski et al. (1996) explored the concept of nominal leadership in the context of small groups. They identified three key factors that contribute to the emergence of nominal leadership: expertise, task-related behavior, and social influence. They noted that the presence of expertise can lead to individuals taking on a leadership role due to their knowledge and experience. Furthermore, task-related behavior, such as taking initiative and providing direction, can contribute to the emergence of a nominal leader. Finally, social influence, such as charisma and persuasiveness, can lead to the emergence of a nominal leader.
Implications
The concept of nominal leadership has important implications for organizational research and practice. For instance, the presence of nominal leadership can have a positive effect on group performance. Studies have shown that groups with a nominal leader are more likely to achieve their goals than those without a nominal leader (Kozlowski et al., 1996). Furthermore, the presence of nominal leadership can lead to increased motivation and commitment among group members (Kozlowski et al., 1996).
Conclusion
In conclusion, the concept of nominal leadership is a valuable one that has important implications for organizational research and practice. By understanding the factors that contribute to the emergence of nominal leadership, organizations can better support and nurture the development of such leadership within their teams.
References
Kozlowski, S. W., Gully, S. M., McHugh, P. P., & Salas, E. (1996). A dynamic theory of leadership and team effectiveness: Developmental and task contingent leader roles. Leadership Quarterly, 7(3), pp. 83-108.