OB AT WORK
For Review
1. Trace the development of leadership research.- Describe the strengths and weaknesses of trait theories of leadership.
- What is the Leadership Grid? Contrast its approach to leadership with the approaches of the Ohio State and
Michigan studies. - What are the contingency variables in path-goal theory?
- When might leaders be irrelevant?
- What characteristics define an effective follower?
- What are the differences between transactional and transformational leaders?
- Describe the strengths and weaknesses of a charismatic leader.
- What is moral leadership?
1 0.Why do you think effective female and male managers often exhibit similar traits and behaviours?
For Critical Thinking
1. Reconcile path-goal theory and substitutes for leadership.- What kind of activities could a full-time college or university student pursue that might lead to the perception that he
or she is a charismatic leader? In pursuing those activities, what might the student do to enhance this perception? - Based on the low representation of women in upper management, to what extent do you think that organizations
should actively promote women into the senior ranks of management? - Is there an ethical problem if leaders focus more on looking like leaders than actually being leaders? Discuss.
- “Leaders make a real difference in an organization’s performance.” Build an argument in support of this statement.
Then build an argument against this statement.
OB for You
■ It is easy to imagine that theories of leadership are more important to those who are leaders or who plan in the near
future to become leaders. However, leadership opportunities occur throughout an organization. You have no doubt
seen student leaders who did not necessarily have any formal authority be extremely successful.
■ Leaders are not born. They learn how to lead by paying attention to situations and what needs to be done.
■ There is no one best way to lead. It is important to consider the situation and the needs of the people who will be led.
■ Sometimes no leader is needed—the individuals in the group simply work well enough together that each takes turns
at leadership without appointing a formal leader.