LEADERSHIP

Question 1

types of leaders

Answer 1

• Task orientated- focus on working to get the task done and meeting on objectives. Focus on providing technical instruction and how to correct errors after mistakes
• Person orientated- focus on developing lines of communication, maintaining social interactions and ensuring all group members are involved. Focus on giving positive feedback after good performance and encouragement after mistakes
• Democratic- offer guidance to group members, allows group members to participate in decision making but leader retains final say in the process. Often the most effective as members are more motivated and engaged
• Autocratic- provide clear explanations for what needs to be done. Clear division between the leader and the followers. Make decisions independently of the group. Best used when there is little time to make a decision or the leader Is much more knowledgeable than the group members.

Question 2

trait approach

Answer 2

– Stable personality characteristics that predispose a person to become a leader:
– Intelligence, assertiveness, independence, self confidence
– Suggests a person who is a good leader in one situation would make a good leader in any situation
– little support for the theory- very limited evidence that personality traits alone determine good leaders
– It is found although some traits might be useful to have, they are not essential for a successful leader
– Showing there is no specific traits, or group of traits to be successful leader

Question 3

behavioural approach

Answer 3

– Rather than focus on personality factors, we focus on behaviors and actions of great leaders
– Suggests anyone can become a leader, simply by learning the behaviors of effective leaders
– Must learn behaviors related to:
* Consideration- building trust and rapport, showing concern for group members, maintaining two way communication
* Initiating structure- planning, assigning roles, motivating group members
– Leaders are therefore made not born

Question 4

limitations to trait and behavioural approaches

Answer 4

– Emphasize personal factors at the expense of situational factors
– Limited because
– No one set of personality characteristics can ensure successful leadership
– Certain leadership styles fit certain situations
– Leaders can adapt their styles to the demands of the situation

Question 5

situational approach

Answer 5

Depends more on the characteristics of the situation than on the
traits and behaviours of the leaders (Perrow, 1970)

– Depends more on the characteristics of the situation than on the traits and behaviors of the leaders
– There are certain characteristics that can make a leader more successful

– Blanchard 1993- leaders have to adapt to maturity of followers, as that will dictate how successful a leader will be. Characteristic of members is a characteristic of the situation
–
– He concluded 4 different types of leadership- delegating, supporting, coaching, directing- depending on the need of group followers leaders have to display different behaviors e.g. if members are high on knowledge you are more likely to be supportive than directing

Question 6

transactional and transformational leadership

Answer 6

Transactional leadership builds on people following strict rules and processes as they perform tasks, whereas transformational leadership builds on change, innovation, and creativity. Transformational leadership builds on inclusion and participation in decision-making.