Leadership Flashcards
What is the definition of organisational leadership?
Guiding and directing individuals within an organisation to achieve specific goals or objectives.
Define a leader.
Someone who guides, and directs others towards a common goal or vision, whilst creating an environment of trust & respect.
What is the difference between management and leadership?
Management is about planning, organising and handling things, while leadership is about inspiring and guiding people towards a goal.
What do Trait Theories suggest about leaders?
Leaders possess certain inherent traits or characteristics that make them effective, such as intelligence or confidence
Weaknesses of the Trait Theory.
** Lack of empirical evidence** - Early trait research linked traits to leadership, but later studies disagreed, making people question the theory.
** Neglect of situational factors** - Trait theory ignores situations, so the right traits may not always work.
** Overemphasis on individual traits **- Trait theory ignores context, so the same traits don’t work everywhere.
Lack of attention to followers - Trait theory overlooks followers and situations, focusing only on the leader’s traits.
What does behavioral theory focus on?
Behaviours and actions of leaders rather than their traits.
What are Task-Oriented behaviors?
Focuses on the completion of tasks and achieving goals.
What are People-Oriented behaviors?
Focus on building relationships, employee satisfaction, and teamwork.
What did the Michigan Studies distinguish between?
Task-Oriented and People-Oriented leadership styles, finding that People-Oriented leaders led to higher productivity and satisfaction.
What do contingency theories suggest about leadership?
Effective leadership depends on the specific situation or context in which a leader operates.
Fiedler’s Contingency Model.
Leader’s effectiveness depends on the match between their style and the situation.
What is Hersey-Blanchard Situational Leadership Theory?
Adapting style based on the level of readiness or development of followers.
What does Path-Goal Theory suggest?
A leader’s success depends on how well they help others reach their goals with the right actions.
List factors affecting leadership style.
Personal Characteristics ** - A leader’s personality and experiences affect their style, like an outgoing leader being hands-on and a detailed one giving instructions.
** Followers - A leader’s style can change based on their followers’ skills, needs, and motivation.
** Organizational Culture** - An organization’s culture affects a leader’s style. A strict company needs a more controlling leader, while a team-focused one needs a leader who works with others.
** Task Demands** - The task’s difficulty can affect a leader’s style. Hard tasks need a controlling leader, while simple ones allow for more delegation.
** External Environment** - External factors can change a leader’s style. Good leaders adjust to fit the situation and their followers.
Sources of Power
What is legitimate power?
Power that comes from a person’s official role or position in a group.
Sources of Power
What is reward power?
Power from giving rewards or benefits.
Sources of Power
What is coercive power?
Power from punishing or taking away rewards.
Sources of Power
What is expert power?
Power that comes from an individual’s knowledge or skills in a particular area.
Sources of Power
What is referent power?
Power that comes from an individual’s personal characteristics.
Sources of Power
What is informational power?
Power that comes from an individual’s access to valuable information.
What are key strategies for managing power?
- Recognize Power Dynamics
- Use Power Responsibly
- Build Trust
- Share Power
- Encourage Feedback
- Develop Collaborative Relationships
What is the focus of transformational leadership?
Inspiring and motivating followers to achieve a higher level of performance and personal development.
