Leadership Functions, Behaviors and Styles

Question 1

What are the three types in the behavioral theory paradigm?

Answer 1

Functional Theories

Style Theories

Behavioral Theories

Question 2

How can behavioral and style theories contribute and be applied in leadership?

Answer 2

• Led to a shift in paradigm to contingency leadership theory
• identification of 2 generic dimensions of leadership behavior
• Supports co-leadership

Question 3

What is a Functional theory example?

Answer 3

John Adair’s Action Centered Leadership (ACL)

Effective leaders need full command of 3 aspects.

1. Achieving the task
2. Managing/maintaining the team
3. Managing individuals within the team

Question 4

Explain the Style Theory of Lewin’s Iowa Theory?

Answer 4

Three approaches

Authoritarian: Centralized power. Decisions are made and forced using rewards or fear of punishment. One sided communication. Seek little to no input. Does not socialize with subordinates.

Democratic: Decentralized power. All members are important contributors. Takes suggestions into consideration

Laissez Faire: All them to do approach. Leaders practice very little control. Left alone to achieve goal. Leader is more of a group member

Question 5

Explain the style theory of Tannenbaum and Schmidt?

Answer 5

Tannenbaum and Schmidt’s Continuum of Leadership styles:

Tells: identifies a problem, makes a decision and informs subordinates

Sells: Makes a decision, recognizes possibility of resistance and attempts to persuade subordinates

Consults: identifies problem, presents to group, listens to suggestions, and takes a decision from recommendations

Joins: Defines the problem, limits of decision and passes to the group to make a decision

Question 6

Explain the behavioral theory “Blake & Moutons Managerial grid”

Answer 6

• Concern for tasks
• Concerns for people

Question 7

Explain the behavioral theory “University of Michigan studies”

Answer 7

• Job centered: Goal emphasis, work facilitation behavior
• Employee centered: Leader support, Interaction facilitation

Question 8

Explain the behavioral theory “ Ohio State Studies”

Answer 8

Study to determine different styles

2 independent dimensions

1. Initiating structure
2. Consideration