Party activists face a coordination problem: a critical mass (a barrier to coordination) must advocate a single policy alternative if the party is to succeed. The need for direction is the degree to which the merits of the alternatives respond to the underlying mood of the party. An individual's...

Party activists wish to (i) advocate the best policy while (ii) unifying behind a party line. Activists learn about policy and the party line by listening to leaders. A leader's influence increases with her judgement on policy (sense of direction) and her ability to convey ideas (clarity of...