Informal leaders are characterized by which of the following?

Informal leaders are individuals who exert influence and guide others within a group without holding a formal leadership title. These leaders often emerge based on their skills, relationships, or the respect they command from their peers rather than through an official appointment by an organization. This characteristic distinguishes them from formal leaders, who are designated by a higher authority and have specific roles or responsibilities dictated by their position.

The essence of informal leadership lies in their ability to inspire and motivate others, often filling gaps that formal leaders may not address. Their influence often stems from personal qualities such as charisma or empathy, and they can be crucial in shaping group dynamics, especially in collaborative environments.

The other options suggest traits associated with formal leaders or management roles, which do not apply to informal leaders. Thus, the ability to lead effectively without formal authority is what defines informal leaders and positions choice B as the correct answer.