A Contradiction to the Ladd-Franklin Theory of Blackness

Two experimental studies were performed which directly manipulated the situational favorability for the group leader by controlled interference with his ability to communicate with his group. In the first experiment subjects were industrial supervisors; in the second, university students. Evidence indicated that the experimental manipulation was seen as influencing situational favorability. Results obtained provide a measure of support for the contingency model of leadership effectiveness. Experiment 2 utilized an anagram game in which it was possible to parcel out variance resulting from the task-relevant ability of group members.