2020-12-162020-12-16197213756870https://hdl.handle.net/10657/7186Two previous research efforts (Clark 1971; and Grimes, Bonjean and Lineberry 1972) in the field of community politics were compared and then partially replicated employing the same statistical procedures used in the original papers. The major findings of both studies were confirmed with significant correlations found between population size and decentralization of community leadership. In general, however, it was concluded that demographic- ecological variables are not efficient predictors of the structure of community leadership and perhaps have been given too much emphasis in previous community power research. The best predictor of leadership structure was the one nondemographic-ecological variable used in this analysis-- Lineberry and Fowler's index of reformism. A consistent negative association between the dimensions of reformism and leadership decentralization was found.application/pdfenThis item is protected by copyright but is made available here under a claim of fair use (17 U.S.C. §107) for non-profit research and educational purposes. Users of this work assume the responsibility for determining copyright status prior to reusing, publishing, or reproducing this item for purposes other than what is allowed by fair use or other copyright exemptions. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires express permission of the copyright holder.Community structureCommunity leadershipThesisreformatted digital