Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Organizational Leadership Practice Test

What role involves the leader acting as a figurehead or a liaison?

1. Decisional Role

2. Informational Role

3. Interpersonal Role

4. Strategic Role

The correct answer is: Interpersonal Role

The role that involves the leader acting as a figurehead or a liaison is the interpersonal role. This category of leadership focuses on the relationships that leaders build and maintain, emphasizing how they connect with others both within and outside the organization. As a figurehead, the leader represents the organization at various events and functions, often participating in ceremonial duties that enhance the organization's image. Additionally, in the capacity of a liaison, the leader fosters connections and communicates with individuals and groups outside their direct team or organization, ensuring that vital information flows in and out. This role underscores the importance of personal interactions in effective leadership, as it emphasizes the significance of building networks and relationships that facilitate collaboration and establish trust. In contrast, decisional roles focus on making choices that affect the organization, informational roles concentrate on gathering and sharing information, while strategic roles involve long-term planning and the development of organizational goals. Each of these roles serves a distinct purpose, but the interpersonal role specifically highlights the leader's responsibility to engage with others and serve as a representative of the organization.