Lesson 5: Situational Approach

Question 1

(T/F) In SLII, Style 2 is low directive and low supportive.

Answer 1

False. Style 2 is high directive and high supportive.

Question 2

(T/F) Situational Leadership requires the clear recognition of subordinate needs.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

You have recently been made a department head of the new regional office. In getting to know your departmental staff, you have noticed that one of your inexperienced employees is not following through on assigned tasks. She enthused about her new job and wants to get ahead in the organization. What action represents the most effective leadership style for this situation?

Answer 3

Define the steps necessary to complete the assigned tasks and monitor her performance frequently (Style 1 - High directive, low supportive).

Question 4

(T/F) In SLII, Style 3 is high supportive and low directive.

Answer 4

True

Question 5

(T/F) In the situational approach, leadership style refers to motivational principles.

Answer 5

False

Question 6

(T/F) In the situational approach, leadership styles defines directive behaviors as those that help group members in goal achievement via two-way communication.

Answer 6

False. Directive behaviors are communicated one-way.

Question 7

It is accurate to say that SLII is primarily

Answer 7

Prescriptive, not descriptive nor well-supported by research.

Question 8

(T/F) In SLII, delegating is ineffective with subordinates who are very competent and committed.

Answer 8

False

Question 9

You are the leader of a small jazz band, comprised of four of your peers who have never been in a jazz group before. As the leader of the band, you have been very straightforward about how the band will function. They are starting to catch on to how the group works. What style do you exhibit next?

Answer 9

Style 2 (high directive, high supportive)

Question 10

(T/F) One of the strengths of the situational approach is its clear conceptualization of subordinates’ developmental levels.

Answer 10

False

Question 11

(T/F) The SLII model emphasizes flexibility in leadership style.

Answer 11

True

Question 12

(T/F) According to situational leadership, D3 subordinates may be highly skilled but also lack commitment.

Answer 12

True

Question 13

(T/F) D4 subordinates are not certain that they can do the job by themselves.

Answer 13

False (they have high competence and high commitment).

Question 14

(T/F) The situational approach contends that leadership involves both directive and supportive behaviors.

Answer 14

True

Question 15

(T/F) The situational approach requires leaders to demonstrate a strong degree of control.

Answer 15

False. As situations become more supportive and less directive, leaders give control to subordinates.

Question 16

(T/F) SLII is used by many corporations to train leaders.

Answer 16

True

Question 17

You are leader of a group project for a class. The other group members seem insecure about whether they can complete the project, but it is apparent that they are competent enough to do a good job. In prior meetings, you have been coaching them on the project. Based on SLII, which leadership style should you exhibit at the next meeting?

Answer 17

Style 3 (High supportive, low directive)

Question 18

You are president of a large corporation. At a typical monthly meeting, each of your VP’s gives standard area reports. In the past, these reports have been good, and the VPs seem satisfied with their work. Based on SLII, which leadership style should you exhibit at the next meeting?

Answer 18

Style 4 (low supportive, low directive)