Leadership Theories

Question 1

Trait Theory

Answer 1

People are born with certain innate attributes that make them fit for leadership

Question 2

Behavior Theories

Answer 2

• People can be taught how to lead
• Leadership skills can be developed
• Leader focus on employees and the task - not only the task as with trait theory

Question 3

Behavior Theories - Blake-Mouton managerial theory

Answer 3

• Team leaders: manager leads by example and encourages team and individual development. 9 on task scale, 9 on people scale
• Authoritarian managers: manager expects employees to do as they are told. 9 on task scale, 1 on people scale
• Country club managers: manager values relationships more than tasks, so they avoid punishing employees when goals are not achieved. 1 on task scale, 9 on people scale
• Impoverished managers: manager delegates, but offers no guidance. 1 on task scale, 1 on people scale
• Middle of the road manager: manager because of formal title, but not really considered a manager. Gets the work done. Balanced on task scale and people scale

Question 4

Situational Theories

Answer 4

• Build on behavioral theories

- Leadership style depends on the situation

Question 5

Situational Theories - Hershey-Blanchard

Answer 5

• Telling: emphasis on task, not employee. Employee must be told what to do
• Selling: emphasis is on both task and employee. Employee is competent, but needs additional guidance or motivation
• Participating: emphasis is on both task and employee. Employee is capable, and manager lends support by helping with final decision-making or brainstorming
• Delegating: employee requires little to no intervention by manager. Manager is still ultimately responsible, but the employee is empowered to make decisions and complete the task

Question 6

Emergent Theory

Answer 6

• Leaders are not formally selected but rather emerge from a group as the clear leader
• Solo leader: directive, expects team to conform to their style and too involved in everything
• Team leader: delegates, creates a vision for the team and appreciates and encourages diversity

Question 7

Transformational Leadership

Answer 7

• James MacGregor Burns said that transformational leaders rise on another to higher levels of motivation
• Four Is of transformational leadership: individualized consideration, intellectual stimulation, idealized influence and inspirational motivation