Author : Somdech Sittipongpittaya

Summary : The study aimed to describe the style of leadership among leaders of Tambol Youth Centers (TYCs) in the northeastern region of Thailand and determine the relationships among leaders' personal backgrounds, group characteristics, group situations, follower, and leadership style. Respondents in the study were 30 chairmen and 90 members of 30 TYCs in three randomly selected provinces of the region. They were classified into highly (13) and less (17) effective groups (HEGs and LEGs) of TYCs. Data were gathered using structured interview schedules and were analyzed using the Chi-square, T-test, and Correlational Coefficient analysis. The study revealed that HEG and LEG leaders were similar in their personal backgrounds. They significantly differed only in training attended, membership in other social groups, position in the social groups of leaders, and followers' expectation variables can be considered as predictors of leadership style in the TYCs. The TYCs with favorable group situations had task-oriented leaders who were more effective in the inititation and administration of group activities than relationship-oriented leaders. To increase the effectiveness of the TYCs, the leaders should emphasize task performance more than personal human relation. In addition, more frequent attendance in training related to leadership roles could enhance task-oriented leadership. Likewise, the leaders may be elected from among those who have more knowledge and experience in leadership as these would improve the effectiveness of the TYCs.