UNIT 2: 2.3 Leadership and management

Question 1

What is management?

Answer 1

the work of directing a business organisation’s resources to achieve business objectives

Question 2

What are the key functions of management?

Answer 2

• Setting objectives and planning
• Organising resources to meet objectives
• Directing and motivating employees
• Coordinating activities
• Controlling and measuring performance against target

Question 3

What is leadership?

Answer 3

The use of strategic and creative thinking that inspires people to meet challenges and accomplish goals

Question 4

What are the key functions of leadership?

Answer 4

• Involves setting a clear direction and vision for an organisation that others will be prepared to follow
• Employees want to follow a good leader and will respond positively to them

Question 5

What are the key differences between leaders and managers?

Answer 5

Leaders motivate and inspire others. Managers direct and monitor others.

Leaders create and develop a culture of change. Managers accept and conform to the ‘norms’ of the organisation.

Leaders have natural abilities and instincts. Managers are skilled and qualified to perform a role.

Leaders are respected and trusted by followers. Managers are listened to by others because of their status.

Question 6

What make a good leader?

Answer 6

• a guiding vision
• passion
• integrity – consisting of self-knowing, honesty and maturity
• trust
• curiosity and daring

Question 7

What is an autocratic leader?

Answer 7

A style of leadership that keeps all decision-making at the centre of the organisation

e.g. armed forces and police are likely to adopt this approach

Question 8

What is paternalistic leadership?

Answer 8

A type of fatherly/motherly style typically used by dominant leaders where their power is used to control and protect subordinate employees who are expected to be loyal and obedient

Question 9

What is a democratic leader?

Answer 9

A leadership style that promotes the active participation of workers in taking decisions

Question 10

What is the laissez-faire leadership style?

Answer 10

A leadership style that leaves much of the decision making to the workforce – a ‘hands-off’ approach and the reverse of the autocratic style

Question 11

What are situational leaders?

Answer 11

Effective leadership that varies with the task in hand and situational leaders adapt their leadership style to each situation