Leadership

Question 1

APM Definition of Leadership

Answer 1

Leadership is the ability to establish vision and direction, to influence and align others towards a common purpose, and to empower and inspire people to achieve success.

Question 2

What is the difference between Theory X and Theory Y leadership? (McGregor)

Answer 2

Theory X Leaders:
-Believe people must be made to work.
-Instruct, drive, monitor regularly.
-Autocratic.

Theory Y Leaders:
-Allow workers to self-manage.
-Democratic.

Question 3

What are possible reasons to adapt leadership style? (situational leadership)

Answer 3

-Someone is an expert in their job.
-Someone is new in their job.
-There is time pressure or capacity issues.

Question 4

What are the 4 leadership styles (S1-S4) in Hersey & Blanchard’s leadership model? What does the theory say that the leadership style corresponds to?

Answer 4

S1 - Telling
S2 - Selling
S3 - Participating
S4 - Delegating

The leadership style corresponds to the development level of the follower (combination of their competence and commitment).

Question 5

What are some benefits to adapting your leadership style?

Answer 5

-Those who need clear direction will receive it.
-Participation ensures that those sufficiently mature can contribute to decisions, leading to better ones.
-Managers do not waste time with those who need little input.
-Managers are able to apply their time appropriately according to where it is needed, prioritising.
-Experiences staff are not micro-managed which is demotivating.
-Staff will feel motivated and understood as they are treated appropriately.

Question 6

What is motivation?

Answer 6

The drive within people that leads them to take certain actions and not take others.

Question 7

What are some of the effects that a lack of motivation can have on a team?

Answer 7

-Lack of productivity, where work is of lower quality or slow.
-Increased absenteeism.
-Higher level of staff turnover, meaning key staff leave.
-Increase in conflict within the team.
-Difficulty recruiting to the team.

Question 8

What are the 5 levels of Maslow’s ‘Hierarchy of Needs’?

Answer 8

Self Actualisation.
Esteem.
Social.
Safety.
Physiological.

Question 9

What are some examples of negative behaviour that a manager could have to deal with as a result of unsatisfied lower order needs? (Maslow)

Answer 9

Withdrawal (Leaving the job/apathy).
Aggression (directed against authority).
Substitution (Leadership of informal group).

Question 10

Herzberg’s theory developed Maslow’s theory into positive and negative factors. What are these called and what are some examples?

Answer 10

POSITIVE - Motivators
-Achievement.
-Recognition.
-Work content.
-Responsibility.
-Advancement.
-Personal Growth.

NEGATIVE - Hygiene Factors
-Company Policy & Administration.
-Working Conditions.
-Interpersonal Relationships.
-Salary.
-Job Security.

Question 11

What does an appropriate balance of Motivators/Hygiene Factors have an effect on? (Herzberg)

Answer 11

-The morale of the team.
-Whether the team achieve the project’s objectives.
-Cooperation within the team.
-Overall level of motivation within the Project Team.