Leadership Theories

Question 1

Define LEADERSHIP

Answer 1

Leadership the process whereby one individual influences other group members towards the attainment of defined group, or organisational goals.

Question 2

What are the 3 early approaches to leadership?

Answer 2

The trait theory, behavioural theory and Fiedler’s contingency theory of leadership

Question 3

Define the TRAIT THEORY

Answer 3

The trait theory focuses on personal qualities and characteristics. The traits of extraversion, conscientiousness and openness to experience from the OCEAN model are those most closely related to leadership.

Question 4

Define the BEHAVIOUR THEORY

Answer 4

The behaviour theory states that we can determine leadership effectiveness by leader behaviour and perhaps train people to be good leaders. Leaders are not simply born.

Question 5

Define FIEDLER’S CONTINGENCY THEORY OF LEADERSHIP

Answer 5

This theory fills the gap between the other two theories of leadership and states that there is not one best leadership style, but it depends on the situation and is determined by:

• individual characteristics
• the degree to which the situation gives control to the leader

Leadership may be relationship or task orientated

Question 6

What are the two key studies of behavioural leadership?

Answer 6

The University of Michigan Study and the Ohio State university study

Question 7

What did the Ohio State University study find?

Answer 7

This study found the effective leaders have either initiating structure behaviour (they are task orientated, focusing on work, work relationships and goals) or consideration behaviour (employee orientated, focusing on comfort well being, status and satisfaction of their followers).

Question 8

What did the University of Michigan study find?

Answer 8

This study identified two behaviours of effective leadership. They are either production orientated (focus on the technical aspects of the job and task completion) or employee orientated (emphasise inter personal relationships, individual needs and employee diversity).

Question 9

Define HERSEY AND BLANCHARD’S SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Answer 9

This is a theory based on the focus on the followers. Successful leadership is achieved by choosing the right leadership style, which is contingent on the level of follower readiness. There are two pillars: support behaviour and directive behaviour.

Question 10

Define FOLLOWER READINESS

Answer 10

Follower readiness is the extent to which the people have the ability and willingness to complete or accomplish a specific task.

Question 11

What are the 4 types of leadership style?

Answer 11

S1 - highly directive, low supportive
S2 - highly directive, highly supportive
S3 - highly supportive, low directive
S4 - low supportive, low directive

Question 12

Define TRUST

Answer 12

Trust is a psychological state that exists when you agree to make yourself vulnerable to another because you have positive expectations about how things are going to turn out.