In many of my courses this semester, we are discussing various types of leadership and social organization, specifically legitimate versus coercive power. Legitimate power is the power of persuasion, influence or leading by example. Coercive power can utilize aspects of legitimacy, but it backed by some aspect of force or punishment. For a current group project I feel I assumed a leadership role, mainly due to the fact that I tried to keep our communication constant. I noticed it was rare to hear from any of my group members without the first contact from myself. I assumed this role for myself, because I have participated in similar group exercises in the past, and there are usually one or two individuals (I have been one of them) who either forgot entirely about the project, or are completely confused with the expectations of the assignment. Before assuming that my group members would end up being this type of student that I had been in the past, I assumed the role of Headman, and tried to lead by example, rather than force.
In societies without modern state systems, the Headman is often an individual who uses their wit and skill to benefit the entire group. He is revered and respected as a leader because the hard work and generosity for the benefit of the group leads to a visible success. However, as Marvin Harris stated in his work “Was There Life without Chiefs,” The headmen “lack[ed] the power to compel others to obey their orders.” The group would not follow the headman if coerced with force, but would listen and most often be persuaded.
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