Using the model of positive communication as a guiding framework, this study explored which specific prosocial behaviors best explained a relationship- or task-oriented leadership style. Examining data gathered from 359 participants working in various industries, regression analyses revealed that listening behaviors and inspirational actions were meaningful for both relationship- and task-oriented leaders; however, complimenting emerged as particularly salient for relationship-oriented leadership styles whereas asking was significant for task-oriented leadership styles. Interestingly, followers’ age, race-ethnicity, and gender did not impact their perceptions of leader’s positive communication practices. The implications of these findings for leadership training, particularly in an increasingly diverse workforce, are discussed.

本研究使用积极沟通模型作为指导框架，探讨了哪些特定的亲社会行为最能说明关系型或任务型领导风格。从从各行各业的359名参与者那里收集的数据进行检查后，回归分析显示，倾听行为和鼓舞性行为对于关系型和任务型领导者均有意义。然而，对于以关系为导向的领导风格而言，恭维显得尤为突出，而对于以任务为导向的领导风格而言，要求却很重要。有趣的是，追随者的年龄，种族，性别并没有影响他们对领导者积极沟通实践的看法。讨论了这些发现对领导力培训的意义，尤其是在日益多样化的员工队伍中。