The impact of cognitive complexity and self-monitoring on leadership emergence

Abstract

Understanding the individual difference variables that influence why some individuals emerge over others to perform traditional leadership functions provides insight into leadership emergence. Cognitive complexity and self-monitoring are two such variables. Both deal with tailoring communication to be situation-specific. Thus, this study examined the role that cognitive complexity and self-monitoring play in leadership. Participants in student groups completed questionnaires that measured leadership perceptions, cognitive complexity, self-monitoring, and predisposition to verbal behavior. While the results did not indicate a significant relationship among the variables, the findings do lead to an increased understanding of emergent leadership.