Leadership Flashcards
Define leadership.
The ability to influence a group toward the
achievement of a vision or set of goals
What are the 4 theories on leadership?
- Trait Theories
- Contingency Theories
- Behavioural Theories
- Contemporary Theories
What is the thing that differentiates a leader in the traits theory? What does it suggest about who can become a leader? What personality framework does it use? And how well does it work?
Personal qualities and characteristics that differentiate leaders from non-leaders (Relationship between personality traits and leadership)
Assumes all effective leaders have the same characteristics
*Suggests focus on selection, not training
The Big Five personality framework
But questionable in predicting performance
(effectiveness or success)
The trait theory believes leaders have which of the big 5 personality characteristics?
Conscientiousness – Disciplined and persistent
Openness – Creative and flexible
Extroversion – Assertive (but moderately so)
What is the thing that differentiates a leader in the behavioural theory? What does it suggest about who can become a leader? And how well does it work?
Specific behaviours differentiate leaders & non-leaders
Suggests leaders can be trained
Research indicates validity but mixed results
The behaviour puts leaders into what two broad categories? And explain each leader’s characteristics.
Initiating Structure
o define and structure roles
for goal achievement
*o task-oriented
o performance standards
o deadline emphasis
Consideration
o trusting job relationships
o people-oriented
o respectful, friendly,
approachable
o supportive, appreciative
What is the Contingency theory? What 3 theories is it based on? And what does it believe about the ways to lead?
Leadership is contextual with leadership style
dependent on the situation
3 main theories
o Fiedler Contingency Model
o Hersey and Blanchard’s Situational Theory
o Path-Goal Theory
There isn’t one right way to lead (Consider the follower and the environment)
What is the main idea behind the Fiedler Contingency Model?
Effective group performance depends upon the proper match between the leader’s style and the degree to which the situation gives control to the leader.
How is the leadership style identified in the Fiedler Contingency Model?
Leadership style identifies through the least preferred co-worker (LPC) questionnaire
High LPC = good personal relations with co-workers, and thus relationship oriented
Low LPC = productivity, and thus task oriented.
What are the Situation assessment dimensions of the Fiedler Contingency Model
Leader-member relationship
Task Structure
Position of Power
According to the Fiedler Contingency Model, what is the two ways to improve effectiveness of a leader?
o Only 2 ways to improve effectiveness:
* Change the leader to fit situation
* Change situation to fit the leader
***Slides 13-14
Hershey & Blanchard Situational Leadership Theory
What is idea of Hershey & Blanchard Situational Leadership Theory?
Successful leadership depends on selecting the right leadership style contingent on the followers’ readiness to accomplish a task
Readiness is the extent to which people have the ability and willingness to accomplish a specific task
What are the four leadership styles of the House’s Path-Goal Theory and what kind of employee does each one work best for?
- Directive Leadership: Informs employees of expectations, gives guidance (tasks)
* Best for inexperienced employees who need guidance - Supportive Leadership: Friendly and approachable, shows concern for status, well-being, and needs of employees (relationships)
* Best for situations where employee has problem, low self-efficacy, or is demotivated - Achievement-oriented Leadership: Sets challenging goals, expects employees to perform at highest level, continuously seeks improvement in performance, has confidence in highest motivations of employees (goal setting)
* Best for fully independent employees - Participative Leadership: Consults with employees, solicits suggestions, takes suggestions into consideration
* Best for highly involved employees with specialist knowledge
What is the idea of the House’s Path-Goal Theory
A leader’s goal is to provide followers with information, support and resources to achieve their goals
