Chapter 14 - Terms Flashcards
Leadership
the process of influencing others to achieve group or organizational goals
Trait theory
a leadership theory that holds that effective leaders possess a similar set of traits or characteristics
Traits
relatively stable characteristics, such as abilities, psychological motives, or consistent patterns of behavior
Initiating structure
the degree to which a leader structures the roles of followers by setting goals, giving directions, setting deadlines, and assigning tasks
Consideration
the extent to which a leader is friendly, approachable, and supportive and shows concern for employees
Leadership style
the way a leader generally behaves toward followers
Contingency theory
a leadership theory states that to maximize work group performance, leaders must be matched to the situation that best fits their leadership style
Situational favorableness
the degree to which a particular situation either permits or denies a leader the chance to influence the behavior of group members
Leader-member relations
the degree to which followers respect, trust, and like their leaders
Task structure
the degree to which the requirements of a subordinate’s tasks are clearly specified
Position power
the degree to which leaders are able to hire, fire, reward, and punish workers
Situational theory
theory that says leaders need to adjust their leadership styles to match followers’ readiness
Performance readiness
the ability and willingness to take responsibility for directing one’s behavior at work
Path-goal theory
a leadership theory states that leaders can increase subordinate satisfaction and performance by clarifying and clearing the paths to goals and by increasing the number and kinds of rewards available for goal attainment
Directive leadership
a leadership style in which the leader lets employees know precisely what is expected of them, gives them specific guidelines for performing tasks, schedules work, sets standards of performance, and makes sure that people follow standard rules and regulations
Supportive leadership
a leadership style in which the leader is friendly and approachable to employees, shows concern for employees and their welfare, treats them as equals, and creates a friendly climate
Participative leadership
a leadership style in which the leader consults employees for their suggestions and input before making decisions
Achievement
a leadership style in which the leader sets challenging goals, has high expectations of employees, and displays confidence that employees will assume responsibility and put forth extraordinary effort
Normative decision theory
a theory that suggests how leaders can determine an appropriate amount of employee participation when making decisions
Strategic leadership
the ability to anticipate, envision, maintain flexibility, think strategically, and work with others to initiate changes that will create a positive future for an organization
Visionary leadership
leadership that creates a positive image of the future that motivates organizational members and provides direction for future planning and goal setting
Charismatic leadership
the behavioral tendencies and personal characteristics of leaders that create an exceptionally strong relationship between them and their followers
Ethical charismatics
charismatic leaders who provide developmental opportunities for followers, are open to positive and negative feedback, recognize others’ contributions, share information, and have moral standards that emphasize the larger interests of the group, organization, or society
Unethical charismatics
charismatic leaders who control and manipulate followers, do what is best for themselves instead of their organizations, want to hear only positive feedback, share only information that is beneficial to themselves, and have moral standards that put their interests before everyone else’s
