2.25 - Tannenbaum-Schmidt Continuum

Question 1

Why have several theorists not looked at leadership as a continuum?

Answer 1

Leaders often do not fit neatly into one of the main categories of leadership

Question 2

Describe the Tannenbaum-Schmidt continuum

Answer 2

It categorises the range of behaviours from 1 to 7 with 1 being manager-centred leadership where managers make all the decisions and inform subordinates, and 7 being subordinate-centred leadership.

Question 3

What is meant by a Subordinate?

Answer 3

Subordinate are employees that report to other staff higher up the hierarchy and subordinates are accountable to their manager for their actions

Question 4

What is meant by Manager-centred leadership?

Answer 4

The manager takes the control of making a decision and not taking in the account of employees thoughts

Question 5

What is Subordinate-centred leadership?

Answer 5

Subordinate-centred leadership is where the manager allows employees to make their own decisions with small input of the manager

Question 6

What are the elements of the Tannenbaum Schmidt Continuium?

Answer 6

Tell
Sells
Consults
Joins

Question 7

Describe the Tell element

Answer 7

Leader identifies problems, make decision and announces to subordinates, except imprementation

Question 8

Describe the Sells element

Answer 8

Leader still makes decision but attempts to overcome resistance through discussion and persuasion

Question 9

Describe the Consults element

Answer 9

Leader identifies problems and presents it to the group

Listens to advice and suggestions

Question 10

Describe the Joins element

Answer 10

Defines the problem and passes on the solving and decision making to the group the manager is part of