Communication and the full range leadership model: a study of the relationship between leadership style and communication apprehension, communication competence and listening styles

This study examined the relationship between the laissez faire, transactional, and transformational leadership styles identified in Bass and Avolio's full range leadership model and communication apprehension, communication competence, and listening styles. In this study, 266 participants reported on the leadership style and communication skills of a current or previous manager. Results indicate that there is a relationship between communication skills and leadership style: laissez faire leaders have higher communication apprehension than transformational leaders. Also, transformational leaders have higher communication competence and are more active listeners than transactional or laissez faire leaders. Future research recommends testing for a causal relationship between communication apprehension and laissez faire leadership style as well as incorporating specific communication skills training into full range leadership training programs to determine whether communication training affects dominant leadership styles.