In which type of communication network there is likelihood of emergence of a group leader but lower satisfaction among the member of the group?

The correct answer is A) Wheel type. In a wheel (centralised) network, all members communicate through one central person. That person collects most of the information, so a clear leader emerges quickly and simple tasks get done fast. But peripheral members can only talk to the centre, so their satisfaction is low because they feel shut out of decisions. This comes from Leavitt's classic small-group experiments (1951).

Why the others do not fit:

• Circle: each member talks only to two neighbours. No one occupies a central position, so leader emergence is weak, but member satisfaction is relatively high.
• Chain: messages pass along a line. Leadership tends to settle near the middle, and satisfaction is moderate, not the pattern described.
• Barred: this is not a standard pattern in the Leavitt framework. The usual contrast is the all-channel network, where everyone talks to everyone, giving high satisfaction and no single leader.

Mains link: this is the logic behind centralisation versus decentralisation in administration. Over-centralised decision-making can be efficient but drains morale of field staff.

Trap: aspirants assume efficiency and satisfaction rise together. In the wheel they move in opposite directions: fast task completion and a strong leader, but poor member satisfaction.