Chapter 11 Flashcards
Leadership
ability to influence a group toward the achievement of a set of goals
Trait Theories
theories that consider personal qualities and characteristics that differentiate leaders from nonleaders
- using big five personality traits to organized leadership characteristics became the most predictive model
Big Five Trait Theory Application
EXTRAVERSION = most predictive trait of effective leadership
- strongly related to how leaders emerge (social/dominant people are more likely to assert themselves)
- high assertiveness is less effective than low-moderate assertiveness
CONSCIENTIOUSNESS = related to leader’s self efficacy, people are more likely to follow someone confident they are going in the right direction
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE = empathy, influence feelings and actions of peers
Behavioural Theories of Leadership
theories that propose that specific behaviours differentiate leaders from nonreaders
initiating structure
the extent to which a leader is likely to define and structure his or her role and the roles of employees in order to attain goals
consideration
the extent to which a leader is likely to have hob relationships characterized by mutual trust, respect for employees ideas and regard for their feelings
The Michigan Studies
- locate behavioural characteristics of leaders that appeared related to performance effectiveness
1. employee-oriented leaders
2. production-oriented leaders
employee-oriented leader
a leader who emphasizes interpersonal relations
- similar to consideration
- leaders are more motivated, satisfied with their jobs, have more respect
production-oriented leader
a leader who emphasizes the technical or task aspects of the job
- similar to initating structure
- higher productivity, positive performance evals,
Fieldler contingency model
a leadership theory that proposes that effective group performance depends on the proper match between the leader’s style and the degree to which the situation gives the leader control
- Fieldler assumed that leadership style is fixed
- LPC determines leadership style and then you fit leader to situation
LPC
Least Preferred Coworker Survey
- determine whether individuals are relationship-oriented or task-oriented
Fieldler’s Dimensions of Analysis for Situation
- Leader-Member Relations (degree of confidence, trust and respect for leader)
- Task Structure (job assignments are procedurized or structured)
- Position Power (influence of leader on power-based activities such as hiring, firing, promotions etc)
What situation does the leader have the most control?
- better leader-member relations
- highly structured job
- strong position of power
When do task-oriented leaders perform best?
- situations of high and low control
- high control = leader can get away with task orientation as relationships are good and followers are easily influenced
- low control = task orientation is the only possible way to get something done
When do relationship-oriented leaders perform best?
- situations of moderate control
- smooth way of getting things done
How to improve leader’s effectiveness (according to Fieldler)?
- Change the leader to fit the situation
2. Change the situation to fit the leader
Situational Leadership
Hersey and Blanchard
SL = a leadership theory focuses on the readiness of followers
- leaders choose ¼ behaviours based on follower readiness
Unable/Unwilling Follower
= leader needs clear and specific directions
= display high task-orientation, to compensate for lack of ability and high relationship-orientation to get employees to ‘buy in’ to the leader’s desires
Able/Willing Follower
= supportive and participative style
= leader does not have to do much
SL Critics
- internal ambiguities and inconsistencies in model
- problems with research methodology
Fieldler Critics
- logic of LPC is not understood and scores are inconsistent
- contingency variables are complex and difficult to assess
Fieldler Critics
- logic of LPC is not understood and scores are inconsistent
- contingency variables are complex and difficult to assess
Path-Goal Theory
a leadership theory that says it is the leader’s job to assist followers in attaining their goals and to provide the necessary direction and/or support to ensure that their goals are compatible with the overall objectives of the group or organization
- identify/clarify follower’s path to their work goals and make journey easier by reducing road blocks
How to be an effective leader when using Path-Goal Theory (guidelines)?
- Determine outcomes subordinates want (good pay, autonomy, security etc)
- Reward individuals with desired outcomes (good performance incentive)
- Let individuals know what they need to do to receive rewards (path to the goal, remove any barriers to high performance, express confidence)