Theory Of Leadership Styles

Question 1

Four types of leadership style?

Answer 1

Democratic
Autocratic
Laissez-faire
Paternalistic

Question 2

Features of autocratic leader

Answer 2

Sets work and expects it to be done as directed
Won’t involve employees in decision making
Very strict
Believes in top down communication
Believes in close supervision
Thinks employees are motivated by money only

Question 3

Features of a democratic leader

Answer 3

Encourages employees to participate in decision making
Believes in employee autonomy
Encourages
Two way communication
Allows employees to use initiative
Believes employee motivation is not purely financial

Question 4

Features of Laissez-faire leadership style

Answer 4

Is remote from employees
Provides little direction
Adopts a relaxed approach
Often gets employees to set own task and objectives

Question 5

Features of a paternalistic leader

Answer 5

Wants workforce to feel involved in decision making
Will consult employees
Will attempt to persuade employees of their view, regardless of the employee’s own views

Question 6

What is centralisation?

Answer 6

The amount of control exercised by senior executives over decision making.
Highly centralised when employees have little autonomy

Question 7

How will a theory X manager view employees?

Answer 7

Inherently lazy, disliking work and responsibilities
Lacking will and ability to work without supervision
Lacking initiative
Largely financially motivated

Question 8

How will a theory Y manager view employees?

Answer 8

They enjoy working 
Willing to accept responsibility and challenges
Creative and willing to contribute 
Able to exercise self discipline 
Not motivated purely by money

Question 9

What are the five sections to ‘Blake and Mouton’s leadership grid?

Answer 9

Country club (high people needs, low task needs)
Team leader (high people needs, high task needs)
Authoritarian (low people needs, high task needs)
Impoverished (low people needs, low task needs)
Middle of the road (middle on both task and people needs)

Question 10

What is the purpose of Blake’s grid?

Answer 10

Used to identify priorities and therefore leadership style of a manager.

Question 11

What are the traits of a successful leader according to Carlyle and Galton’s trait theory?
(Traits that a good leader is born with)

Answer 11

Motivational 
Have integrity 
Self confidence 
Creative
Intelligent

Question 12

What are the four types of leadership according to Tennenbaum and Schmidt?

Answer 12

Tell
Sell
Consult
Participate

Question 13

What are the three element for all leadership situations account to Adair?

Answer 13

Achievement of the task
Team involvement in the task
Individual members of the team involved in the task