Leadership Style Basics

Question 1

What are trait based theories?

Answer 1

Assumes leaders are people who have a specific list of traits, which may be image or could be developed and learned over time.

Acknowledges leadership can be learned by some but not all

Question 2

Weaknesses of trait based theories

Answer 2

They ignored the importance of context
They were/are frequently gender biased by associating masculine traits such as dominance or assertiveness with leadership
They were/are biased including systematic discounting of non-western leadership norms and values traits
Lacked empirical basis

Question 3

Traits associated with effective leadership

Answer 3

Optimism and self confidence
Honesty and integrity
Drive
Awareness of one’s own strengths and limitations
Emotional intelligence
Entrepreneurial spirit

Question 4

What are behaviour based theories of leadership

Answer 4

Assumes leaders are people who make appropriate use of leadership behaviours. These behaviours can be developed and learned over time.

Question 5

What are the 4 types of leadership behaviours

Answer 5

Task oriented, relations oriented, change oriented, and external

Question 6

Behaviours associated with effective leadership

Answer 6

Goals setting
Initiating structure
Coordinating resources
Communicating effectively
Collaborating
Coaching and mentoring
Demonstrating consideration

Question 7

True or false:
There is growing evidence that most types of leadership behaviour can be overused as well as underused

Answer 7

True.

Question 8

What are the three contingency models of leadership?

Answer 8

Fielder model
House path-goal theory model
Hersey and Blanchard model

Question 9

Contingency models of leadership are based on what

Answer 9

They are based on the idea that most functional leadership traits and behaviours vary based on the situation and the broader context in which leadership is being exercised.

Question 10

Explain the fielder model of leadership

Answer 10

That a fit must be found between the organizational situation and the leaders style for there to be leadership effectiveness

Question 11

Explain the Hersey and Blanchard theory in leadership

Answer 11

It focused on the characteristics of the followed as the most important factor determining optimal leadership style. It assumes leaders could/would change styles for each situation.

Question 12

Identify and describe Hersey and Blanchard’s 4 leadership styles

Answer 12

1. Supporting - high focus on relationship behaviours, low focus on task behaviours
2. Coaching - high focus on both relationship and task behaviours
3. Entrusting - low focus on relationship behaviours and high focus on task behaviours
4. Directing - low focus on both relationship behaviours and high focus on task behaviours.

Question 13

Explain the House’s Path-Goal Theory

Answer 13

Leaders will be most effective when they are able to clarify the paths to various subordinate goals that are also if interest to the organization

Question 14

Identify and explain House’s Path-Goal Theory’s 4 categories of leader behaviour

Answer 14

1. Directive - initiate structure, concerned with letting employees know what is needed if them
2. Supportive - concerned with pleasant interpersonal interactions
3. Participative - consults with employees and considers their opinions
4. Achievement-Oriented - express confidence that employees can meet high standards and accomplish. Challenging goals

Question 15

Leadership approaches in dependant on what types of internal contexts?

Answer 15

Company strategy, vision, and mission
Company culture
Formal and informal power structures
How power relations are interpreted
Followers behaviour as a group
Followers behaviour as individuals
Nature of the tasks