Question 1

Management is about allocating resources, increasing efficiencies, dealing with budgets and numbers, and optimising processes and structures, whereas leadership is about providing vision and inspiration to produce positive change.

Accepted Answer

This statement accurately reflects the difference between management and leadership.

Question 2

The innovative, visionary approach that Steve Jobs brought with him when he returned to Apple in 1996 was the driving force behind the company becoming the global mega-success it is today. Such an approach means Jobs' leadership could be best described as:

Accepted Answer

Steve Jobs' leadership style was transformational, meaning he was able to inspire and motivate his team to strive for excellence and innovation. He had a clear vision for the company and was able to communicate it effectively to his employees, which resulted in Apple becoming a leader in the technology industry.

Question 3

According to the task-readiness approach, if employees are highly competent and willing to take on tasks and make decisions, the most appropriate style to manage them would be one with a mix of:

Accepted Answer

D

Question 4

Eleanor's leadership style is to involve as many of her staff as possible in the decision-making process and to invite contributions and suggestions from all of her team members. Her leadership style is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Eleanor's leadership style of involving all staff members in decision-making and inviting suggestions is characteristic of a democratic leadership style, where there is shared decision-making and empowerment of team members.

Question 5

Which approach would be considered to be the optimal choice in order to become a successful leader?

Accepted Answer

Leadership effectiveness often depends on the context, including the nature of the task, the team's characteristics, and the broader environment. Therefore, flexibility in leadership style, adapting to the right time and place, is considered optimal for success.

Question 6

Rather than looking at what leaders are, such as resilient or determined, the behavioural approach sees leadership as a set of behaviours, and looks at what effective leaders do.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately reflects the approach of the behavioural approach to leadership. Rather than focusing on innate qualities of leaders, the focus is on observable behaviors of effective leaders.

Question 7

What would a manager with an employee-centred style of leadership be least likely to do in relation to the level of freedom they provide their employees in decision-making and the degree of freedom in their work roles?

Accepted Answer

A manager with an employee-centred style of leadership would not be likely to simply announce what is to be done without considering the input of their employees. They would aim to involve their employees in the decision-making process and provide them with a certain level of freedom in their work roles.

Question 8

Which of the following statements about the Theory X and Theory Y mindsets is true?

Accepted Answer

Theory X mindset believes that workers have an inherent dislike of work and are only motivated by external factors such as rewards and punishments. Option A is incorrect as it describes the Theory Y mindset. Option B is also incorrect as it is the opposite of Theory Y mindset. Option C is incorrect as it describes a controlling leadership style, which is not necessarily associated with either Theory X or Theory Y mindset. Option E is also incorrect as it describes a negative view of workers, which is not associated with the Theory Y mindset.

Question 9

A team of top medical researchers conducting specialist research in multiple research laboratories would be most effectively managed using:

Accepted Answer

A laissez-faire style of leadership is most effective for highly skilled and specialized teams, like top medical researchers, as it allows them the autonomy to use their expertise and creativity without micromanagement.

Question 10

A leader-manager with mental toughness, who pushes on when the going gets tough, would be best described as having:

Accepted Answer

Mental toughness involves being able to stay persistent and focused in the face of challenges and obstacles. The trait that best captures this is resolve, which involves a determined and unwavering attitude towards achieving one's goals. While drive and focus are important, they do not fully capture the grit and determination that mental toughness requires. Control and stubbornness can also be positive traits, but they can also be negative if taken too far, whereas resolve is generally seen as a positive and desirable trait in leaders.

Question 11

According to the 'managerial grid' leadership model, which is the only style of leadership that is unlikely to work in any situation?

Accepted Answer

According to the managerial grid leadership model, the only style of leadership that is unlikely to work in any situation is the Impoverished leadership style, which is characterized by low concern for both people and productivity. This style of leadership is ineffective because it usually results in poor performance and low employee morale.

Question 12

Which of the following traits is not specifically associated with the trait approach to leadership?

Accepted Answer

Emotional intelligence is not specifically associated with the trait approach to leadership. The trait approach primarily focuses on identifying specific personality traits that are believed to be indicative of effective leadership, such as initiative, intelligence, self-assurance, and self-esteem. Emotional intelligence is often associated with other approaches to leadership, such as the behavioral or transformational approach.

Question 13

Which of the following traits would be least likely to be associated with empathetic leadership?

Accepted Answer

Narcissism is a personality trait associated with a lack of empathy and a focus on self-promotion and personal gain, making it the least likely trait to be associated with empathetic leadership. The other traits listed (integrity, selflessness, loyalty, responsibility) are generally regarded as being positively associated with empathetic leadership.

Question 14

For transactional leadership to work, a leader needs to:

Accepted Answer

All of these responses are correct. Transactional leadership relies on the exchange of rewards for performance and, as such, requires clear expectations, rewards for achieving goals, and resources to help employees meet those goals. Additionally, monitoring employee performance and providing coaching or feedback when necessary helps ensure that performance is aligned with expectations and goals.

Question 15

A strong moral compass and an ethical approach is what enables all charismatic leaders to inspire and encourage people to follow and believe in them.

Accepted Answer

Charismatic leaders can inspire and encourage people to follow them through their charm and persuasive skills, but having a strong moral compass and an ethical approach is not a requirement for all charismatic leaders. Some may use their charisma for manipulative or unethical purposes.

Question 16

Which of the following statements best describes what makes an effective leader-manager?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following statements best describes...

Question 17

Which of the following statements is true of narcissistic leaders?

Accepted Answer

Narcissistic leaders often have a strong desire for control and may prioritize their own beliefs and ideas over those of others. They may therefore prefer to indoctrinate rather than encourage free thinking and criticism.

Question 18

In which situational approach to leadership would a manager place the greatest emphasis on the consideration of employees, the task and the leader when deciding which management style to apply?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In which situational approach to leadership would...

Question 19

Leaders are born rather than made. Because of this, no one can learn to become a better leader.

Accepted Answer

While some people may have certain innate qualities that make them natural leaders, leadership skills can be learned and developed over time through experience, training, and education.

Question 20

A manager whose performance in managing a team reveals that there are few grievances, high retention levels and high levels and quality of output within the team. According to Likert's model, this manager would be likely to be:

Accepted Answer

According to Likert's model, a manager who has few grievances, high retention levels, and high levels and quality of output within the team is likely to be high in consideration. This means that the manager focuses on building relationships with team members, soliciting their input and feedback, and treating them with respect and empathy. High consideration managers also tend to be more effective at motivating and engaging their employees, which can result in higher levels of productivity and job satisfaction.

Quiz 9: Understanding Leadership