Leadership

QUESTIONS FOR CRITICAL THINKING

1. Review trait theories in the context of the “nature vs. nurture” debate.

Answer – Proponents of trait theories believe that a leader is “born.” They often describe leaders in terms of their personal characteristics, such as “charismatic” and “driven.” Behaviorists believe leadership can be taught, or nurtured, by providing the necessary skills to an individual to be an effective leader.

2. If you were a manager, how would you assess a situation in terms of Fiedler’s three contingency variables?

Answer – While each situation would no doubt require a different outcome, one should begin by analyzing the situation as to each variable. Are leader-member relations good or poor? If poor, work would need to be done to repair those relationships. For example, are these highly skilled people who have been subjected to a highly directive leadership style? It would be best to adjust that style to one that is more participative in nature. Second, task structure should be analyzed. Is there a great deal of flexibility in how the work is performed? Third, how much power does the leader have in hiring, firing and discipline? If the leader has little power, he or she will need to rely on a more participative style and use personal characteristics to influence others. Even with high position power, depending on the analysis of the other variables, a more participative leadership style would be in order.

3. Develop an example