Leadership and Followership

Question 1

What is leadership

Answer 1

leadership refers to the act of guiding people to work together towards the attainment of the aspirations of a group

leadership also refers to the act of influencing members of a group to willingly work to achieve the aims and objectives of the group

Question 2

Who is a leader

Answer 2

a leader is a person who has the authority and power to guide others or influence them towards the attainment of the aspirations of a group

Question 3

define followership

Answer 3

this is the act of being a member of a group with common objectives and the acceptance of guidance for the achievement of those objectives

Question 4

who is a follower

Answer 4

this is a person who is a member of a group with common objectives and who is guided towards the achievement of those objectives by a leader

Question 5

Mention three ways people become leaders

Answer 5

1 elections
2 Appointment
3 situational demands
4 imposition
5 self-appointment
6 Hereditary

Question 6

mention the four types of leadership styles

Answer 6

Autocratic or authoritarian leadership style
democratic or participatory leadership style
paternalistic leadership star
Laisser faire leadership style

Question 7

Define the authoritarian style

Answer 7

this is when the power is concentrated in the leader alone so the leader may use threats and instill fear in his followers. The leader may not reason with his subordinates and followers because he does not see them as persons of worth. This type of video style does not encourage active group participation. And it turns to be heavily work centered.

Question 8

Mention two advantages of the authoritarian leadership style

Answer 8

The leader is able to take decisions quickly and easily because he does not need to consult anybody nor accept the view of any of his followers when taking decisions.

since the leader takes decisions on his own he accepts the blame if there is a problem and makes provisions to find solutions to the problems

autocratic leaders mostly insist on best results from work assigned to workers or followers. to this end they make time to personally supervise the work of the group

Due to his presence there is no negative attitude to work therefore productivity is high

Question 9

mentioned two disadvantages of autocratic or authoritarian leadership style

Answer 9

there is no cooperation and teamwork within the group

There is indiscipline Especially when the leader is absent

There is apathy. Due to their leaders refusal to make the followers part of the decision making, there is an exhibition of apathetic attitude towards work which reduces productivity

The skilled and highly indispensable workers may live to search for new jobs since the leader is autocratic.

Question 10

Describe the paternalistic leadership style

Answer 10

This is when the leader is older than his followers on average. The followers are allowed to give their views and suggestions but the final decision rests with the leader and because of his old age the leader feels that he alone has answered all the problems so he makes sure his decisions prevail upon the group

Question 11

mention two features of the paternalistic leadership style

Answer 11

The leader is older than the followers or subordinates

the followers are allowed to give their views but the final decision rests with the leader

The leader believes that because of his old age, his decisions must prevail upon the group

Question 12

mention 2 advantages of the paternalistic leadership style

Answer 12

The leader accept responsibility for his actions

Decision making is quick and easy

Due to the atmosphere of family that prevails in the group the system promotes cooperation and teamwork among members

Question 13

mention two disadvantages of the paternalistic leadership style

Answer 13

the initiative of the followers is killed as they always look up to their leader for everything

The motivation of the followers is very low which may cause them to be unable to meet their objectives or the group’s aim

Question 14

Mention three qualities of a good leader

Answer 14

Intelligence
Decision making.
Foresight.
problem solving
Tolerance.
Innovative.

Question 15

Mention three qualities of a follower

Answer 15

Humility
loyalty
Co-operation
Dedication
Team work

Question 16

Mention the types of followers

Answer 16

Alienated follower
Conformist follower
Passive follower
Pragmatic follower
Effective follower

Question 17

Describe Laissez-Faire leadership style.

Answer 17

So in this leadership style, the leader has no confidence in his ability. He also gives much discretion to his followers to decide and there is no direction, hence the group shows little interest in their work, leading to low morale.

Question 18

Mention 2 effects of the laissez faire leadership style

Answer 18

Low productivity.
poor quality of work.
indiscipline in society.

Question 19

Describe the democratic leadership style.

Answer 19

This leadership style is based on the interpersonal relationship between the leader and his followers. Work is done through persuasion rather than coercion threats and fear. There is active participation in decision making and workers are allowed to criticize and offer suggestions.

Question 20

Mention three attributes of an autocratic leader

Answer 20

Autocratic leaders are oppressive and instill fear in their subordinates.
autocratic leaders have absolute power and authority.
Autocratic leaders alone formulate policies and determine procedures for the group to follow.
They do not seek the views of other people before decisions are taken.
They serve as the ultimate agent in charge of rewards and punishment for individual members.

Question 21

Mention three attributes of the Democratic leader.

Answer 21

The leader is seen as a member of the group.
policies guidelines and targets are set by all.
Decision making process is undertaken by all.
individual activities are determined by the group.
there is friendliness, respect and social harmony.
The leader relies on the freedom and responsibility of the individual to achieve set targets.