Chapter 14 - Terms

Question 1

Leadership

Answer 1

the process of influencing others to achieve group or organizational goals

Question 2

Trait theory

Answer 2

a leadership theory that holds that effective leaders possess a similar set of traits or characteristics

Question 3

Traits

Answer 3

relatively stable characteristics, such as abilities, psychological motives, or consistent patterns of behavior

Question 4

Initiating structure

Answer 4

the degree to which a leader structures the roles of followers by setting goals, giving directions, setting deadlines, and assigning tasks

Question 5

Consideration

Answer 5

the extent to which a leader is friendly, approachable, and supportive and shows concern for employees

Question 6

Leadership style

Answer 6

the way a leader generally behaves toward followers

Question 7

Contingency theory

Answer 7

a leadership theory states that to maximize work group performance, leaders must be matched to the situation that best fits their leadership style

Question 8

Situational favorableness

Answer 8

the degree to which a particular situation either permits or denies a leader the chance to influence the behavior of group members

Question 9

Leader-member relations

Answer 9

the degree to which followers respect, trust, and like their leaders

Question 10

Task structure

Answer 10

the degree to which the requirements of a subordinate’s tasks are clearly specified

Question 11

Position power

Answer 11

the degree to which leaders are able to hire, fire, reward, and punish workers

Question 12

Situational theory

Answer 12

theory that says leaders need to adjust their leadership styles to match followers’ readiness

Question 13

Performance readiness

Answer 13

the ability and willingness to take responsibility for directing one’s behavior at work

Question 14

Path-goal theory

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Directive leadership

Answer 15

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

Question 16

Supportive leadership

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Participative leadership

Answer 17

a leadership style in which the leader consults employees for their suggestions and input before making decisions

Question 18

Achievement

Answer 18

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

Question 19

Normative decision theory

Answer 19

a theory that suggests how leaders can determine an appropriate amount of employee participation when making decisions

Question 20

Strategic leadership

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Visionary leadership

Answer 21

leadership that creates a positive image of the future that motivates organizational members and provides direction for future planning and goal setting

Question 22

Charismatic leadership

Answer 22

the behavioral tendencies and personal characteristics of leaders that create an exceptionally strong relationship between them and their followers

Question 23

Ethical charismatics

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Unethical charismatics

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Transformational leadership

Answer 25

leadership that generates awareness and acceptance of a group’s purpose and mission and gets employees to see beyond their own needs and self-interests for the good of the group

Question 26

Transactional leadership

Answer 26

leadership based on an exchange process in which followers are rewarded for good performance and punished for poor performance