3.2.1

Question 1

role of managers

Answer 1

planning
directing
organising
controlling

Question 2

planning

Answer 2

setting targets
estimating resources needed
budgeting
forecasting

Question 3

organising

Answer 3

co-ordinating teams
allocating resources
giving instructions to subordinates

Question 4

controlling

Answer 4

reporting on performance e.g. financial reporting
monitoring targets and budgets
enforcing company policy and rules
monitoring employee performance
e.g. conducting appraisals

Question 5

directing

Answer 5

giving guidance and instruction
motivating employees
delegating authority

Question 6

trait theory

Answer 6

The belief that leaders and managers hold certain traits that distinguish them from other people.

Question 7

behavioural theory

Answer 7

The behavioural theory of leadership suggests that there is an appropriate style of management or leadership determined by the context, situation and nature of the task.

Question 8

middle of the road

Answer 8

Neither aspect is focused on entirely. Manager might care, but does not get the balance right. Hence neither the task nor employees’ well-being are completely satisfied.

Question 9

team leader

Answer 9

High focus on both. In theory this should be highly successful as the employees’ needs should be aligned to those of the organisation. Employees feel involved and have a stake in the
success of the business.

Question 10

produce or perish

Answer 10

Authoritarian. Driven by targets and getting the task done. Cares little for well-being or feelings of employees.

Question 11

impoverished

Answer 11

Perhaps focused on self and not leading the organisation.
Dissatisfaction and disorganisation.
An ineffective manager.

Question 12

country club

Answer 12

A relaxed working environment.
Manager is concerned with
relationships and motivation of employees. Task may not get done.

Question 13

why is the Blake moulton grid useful

Answer 13

the Blake and Mouton Grid can be used to help managers reflect on their own practice and identify strategies to improve their management/leadership skills.

Question 14

what does the tannenbaum Schmidt continuum show

Answer 14

This shows where a manager’s approach lies on a continuum, ranging from the manager imposing strict authority at one extreme, through to employees having full freedom to act as they choose at the other extreme.

Question 15

the continuum can be used to make what

Answer 15

choices about which approach to adopt, but no advice is given on how the approach should be chosen based on the circumstances.

Question 16

tells/sells

Answer 16

authoritarian leader
top-down decisions

Question 17

consults

Answer 17

leader gains ideas and opinions from team before making the decision

Question 18

joins/delegates

Answer 18

ideas and opinions valued by leader and decisions made as a team

Question 19

abdicates

Answer 19

laissez-faire leadership style

Question 20

advantages of autocratic

Answer 20

1. focused on getting the task done high levels of control suitable for unskilled workforce
2. speeds up decision-making process
   - important in times of crisis
3. suitable for implementing a clear vision held by the leader

Question 21

disadvantages of autocratic

Answer 21

1. can lead to low levels of motivation if employees don’t feel respected or valued
2. no opportunity for employees to be involved in decision making
3. no opportunity to collect ideas and opinions of the workforce that might be valuable
4. employees might not feel as though they have a stake in the business

Question 22

advantages of democratic

Answer 22

1. develops a team spirit - more opportunity for employees to buy in’ to the task if they feel they have had a say
2. allows a manager to collect ideas and opinions from the whole workforce

Question 23

disadvantages of democratic

Answer 23

1. decision making can take a long time when done by committee
2. employees may not see the ‘bigger picture’ and vote for decisions that benefit them

Question 24

advantages of laissez faire

Answer 24

allows employees autonomy to make their own decisions, often leading to higher levels of creativity and motivation amongst workers

Question 25

disadvantages of laissez faire

Answer 25

1. lack of control over the workforce - deadlines and targets might be missed
2. tasks may not be coordinated very well

Question 26

There are a number of factors to take into account when trying to identify the best approach to management/ leadership.

Answer 26

labour force, nature of task, timescale, personality and tradition.