Chapter 21 - Leadership and performance

Question 1

What is the definition of motivation in the context of project management?

Answer 1

Motivation stimulates people to perform tasks effectively and is essential for achieving above-average performance.

Question 2

What are the key determinants of motivation?

Answer 2

Needs or expectations individuals bring to their jobs, economic rewards (pay, benefits), job satisfaction, and social aspects (teamwork, organizational belonging).

Question 3

Name the five levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

Answer 3

Physiological needs (hunger, thirst), Safety needs (security, protection), Social needs (belonging, social activities), Esteem needs (self-respect, recognition), Self-actualisation (achieving full potential).

Question 4

What are Herzberg’s two factors in his theory of motivation?

Answer 4

Hygiene Factors (prevent dissatisfaction): Company policies, supervision, salary, working conditions. Motivators (lead to satisfaction and motivation): Achievement, recognition, work itself, responsibility, advancement.

Question 5

How can project managers apply Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory?

Answer 5

By aligning job structures to emphasize motivating factors and recognizing and addressing both hygiene factors and motivators to enhance job satisfaction and performance.

Question 6

What are the three main leadership styles?

Answer 6

Autocratic, Democratic, and Supportive or Laissez-faire.

Question 7

Describe Adair’s model of leadership.

Answer 7

Adair’s model emphasizes meeting three areas of need: team, task, and individual, integrating management and leadership functions crucial in project contexts.

Question 8

What is the Tannenbaum and Schmidt leadership continuum?

Answer 8

It defines leadership style from boss-centred to subordinate-centred, with style selection influenced by leader, subordinate, and situational factors, reflecting evolving leadership practices towards more participatory approaches.

Question 9

Why is understanding diverse leadership styles important for project managers?

Answer 9

It enhances adaptability, matches leadership style to situational demands, and improves team effectiveness while balancing team autonomy with leadership guidance.

Question 10

Why is the performance of team members crucial in project management?

Answer 10

Team members’ performance directly affects project success, making the understanding and management of team dynamics crucial.

Question 11

How can project managers motivate their teams?

Answer 11

Through enthusiasm, clear goals, structured work, and setting an example with personal organization and behavior, as well as maintaining personal rapport and setting agreed objectives.

Question 12

What role does job design play in individual motivation?

Answer 12

Job design is crucial for providing challenge, variety, and a clear end-product, alongside agreed objectives, professional standards, feedback, and coaching for personal and career development.

Question 13

How should objectives be set to motivate team members?

Answer 13

Objectives should be tied to overall project goals, appropriately challenging, within the person’s control, and specify a clear outcome.

Question 15

What are the criteria for good objectives?

Answer 15

Good objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound (SMART), and have measurable milestones for progress checks.

Question 16

What is the purpose of setting objectives?

Answer 16

To coordinate team effort, motivate team members with clear tasks and development opportunities, and align with both project goals and personal career aims.

Question 17

Explain the concept of cascading objectives.

Answer 17

Cascading objectives involve aligning organizational purpose down to project objectives, team objectives, personal objectives, and detailed work instructions, ensuring they are agreed upon to ensure commitment and ownership.

Question 18

Why is negotiating objectives important in project management?

Answer 18

It involves communicating a clear project vision, being flexible, and adjusting plans based on team feedback and learning opportunities to ensure ongoing relevance and commitment.

Question 19

How does the iterative process of objective setting benefit a project?

Answer 19

Continuous revisiting and updating of objectives ensure they remain relevant and aligned with the project’s goals, strengthening relationships and providing coaching opportunities.