Question 1

The strengths of the leader-member exchange theory include all of the following except:
A) It describes a commonly perceived reality of in and out groups.
B) It fully considers situational variables.
C) It brings attention to the long-term relationship aspects of leadership.
D) It puts the final responsibility for managing the relationship on the leader.

Accepted Answer

The leader-member exchange theory does not fully consider situational variables, as it primarily focuses on the relationships between leaders and followers rather than the context or situation in which those relationships exist.

Question 2

While all the transactional theories focus on performance goals, only the __________ theory focuses on follower needs and on organizational needs.
A) Managerial grid
B) Situational leadership
C) Path-goal
D) Leader-member exchange

Accepted Answer

Path-goal theory is unique among transactional theories in that it emphasizes the leader's role in clarifying the path to the followers' goals, addressing both the needs of the followers and the needs of the organization. It focuses on how leaders motivate subordinates to achieve designated goals by aligning the goals of the followers with those of the organization, and by clarifying the path to achieve these goals.

Question 3

The principles approach of classical management theory emphasized the role of mid- and senior-level managers in organizing rationally at a higher level.

Accepted Answer

Classical management theory, developed during the Industrial Revolution, emphasized a systematic approach to management to increase efficiency and effectiveness. It focused on the role of mid- and senior-level managers in organizing and planning at a higher level, ensuring that the organization operated as a cohesive and rational whole.

Question 4

Classical management theory assumes a combined style of leadership and the outcomes of interest are production and efficiency improvements.

Accepted Answer

Classical management theory primarily focuses on the efficiency, productivity, and structure of an organization rather than leadership styles. It emphasizes strict hierarchical structures and clear division of labor.

Question 5

In terms of leadership style, the underlying assumption was that a master list of traits would provide the basis for a combined style.

Accepted Answer

The assumption was that a master list of traits would provide the basis for a combined style, which is a true statement.

Question 6

One of the problems of the trait theory of leadership is that no traits were universally required for leadership.

Accepted Answer

Trait theory of leadership suggests that certain qualities or traits make an individual a good leader, but research has shown that no single trait is universally required for effective leadership across all contexts. Different situations and environments may demand different qualities for leadership success.

Question 7

In stratified systems theory, leadership varies with the position in the organization. Managers must deal with many types of individuals and be more skilled in interpersonal relations than supervisors and executives.

Accepted Answer

In stratified systems theory, leadership varies with the position in the organization. Managers must deal with many types of individuals and be more skilled in interpersonal relations than supervisors and executives.

Question 8

In stratified systems theory, of the three levels (production, organizational and systems), the organizational leadership level involves the development of the mission and the articulation of goals.

Accepted Answer

The answer of In stratified systems theory, of the three...

Question 9

The transactional approaches to leadership integrated the insights of the human relations school, which emphasized the importance of worker needs and motivations to productivity, retention, and decision making.

Accepted Answer

Transactional leadership focuses on the role of supervision, organization, and group performance, and integrates the human relations school's insights by recognizing the importance of rewarding or punishing team members based on their performance, which directly relates to understanding and motivating workers' needs.

Question 10

Grid theory largely fits into a contingency approach to leadership.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Grid theory largely fits into a contingency...

Question 11

In the managerial grid, a 1,9 leader places great emphasis on people concerns, which in turn leads to "a comfortable, friendly organization atmosphere and work tempo." This is called an "Organizational Man" management style.

Accepted Answer

In the managerial grid, a 1,9 leader is described as having a "Country Club" management style, focusing on creating a comfortable, friendly organization atmosphere and work tempo by placing a high emphasis on people concerns, often at the expense of production.

Question 12

According to situational leadership, followers who are low in competence but high in commitment (R2) require a coaching or selling type of leadership.

Accepted Answer

In situational leadership, followers characterized as R2 (low competence but high commitment) are best supported by a coaching or selling leadership style, which involves high directive and high supportive behaviors to guide and motivate them as they learn.

Question 13

According to situational leadership, a follower who is able but unwilling or insecure (R3) requires a directing leader style (S1).

Accepted Answer

According to situational leadership, a follower who is able but unwilling or insecure (R3) requires a supportive leader style (S3), not a directing leader style (S1).

Question 14

In path-goal theory, it is the leader's responsibility to align worker and organizational goals and then to ensure that the employee's path to goal attainment is clear.

Accepted Answer

Path-goal theory emphasizes that it's the leader's job to assist followers in attaining their goals and to provide direction or support needed to ensure that their goals are compatible with the overall objectives of the organization.

Question 15

Path-goal theory states that leadership is not always needed. Rather, leadership supplies what is needed or missing for subordinates or their task environments.

Accepted Answer

Path-goal theory suggests that the role of a leader is to provide followers with the necessary guidance, support, and resources to achieve their goals. It acknowledges that leadership may not always be required if the followers or their task environment already possess what is needed to achieve the objectives.

Question 16

According to path-goal theory, when jobs are difficult because of complexity or change, and workers have a desire for autonomy, a participative leader style is appropriate.

Accepted Answer

According to path-goal theory, a participative leader style is indeed appropriate when jobs are complex or subject to change and when workers desire autonomy. This leadership style involves including employees in decision-making processes, which can help in clarifying the path to achieving goals under challenging conditions and fulfilling employees' autonomy needs.

Question 17

Leader-member exchange theory assumes three styles (stranger, acquaintance, partner), the acquaintance style is characterized by flexibility and high support of member needs.

Accepted Answer

Leader-member exchange theory does not categorize relationships into three styles (stranger, acquaintance, partner); instead, it focuses on the varying quality of relationships between leaders and members, ranging from low to high-quality exchanges without specifically naming these categories as stranger, acquaintance, and partner.

Question 18

Classical management theory assumes a directive style of leadership. How is this different from an authoritarian style?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Classical management theory assumes a directive style...

Question 19

Explain the contribution of the trait theory to the study of leadership.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the contribution of the trait theory...

Question 20

The managerial grid theory was very popular in that it utilized a task-people balanced approach and provided an excellent framework for training and an overarching ideal of management behavior. Explain some of its weaknesses.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The managerial grid theory was very popular...

Quiz 3: Early Management, Trait, Stratified Systems, and Transactional Theories of Leadership

The strengths of the leader-member exchange theory include all of the following except:

While all the transactional theories focus on performance goals, only the __________ theory focuses on follower needs and on organizational needs.

The principles approach of classical management theory emphasized the role of mid- and senior-level managers in organizing rationally at a higher level.

Classical management theory assumes a combined style of leadership and the outcomes of interest are production and efficiency improvements.

In terms of leadership style, the underlying assumption was that a master list of traits would provide the basis for a combined style.

One of the problems of the trait theory of leadership is that no traits were universally required for leadership.

In stratified systems theory, leadership varies with the position in the organization. Managers must deal with many types of individuals and be more skilled in interpersonal relations than supervisors and executives.

In stratified systems theory, of the three levels (production, organizational and systems), the organizational leadership level involves the development of the mission and the articulation of goals.

The transactional approaches to leadership integrated the insights of the human relations school, which emphasized the importance of worker needs and motivations to productivity, retention, and decision making.

Grid theory largely fits into a contingency approach to leadership.

In the managerial grid, a 1,9 leader places great emphasis on people concerns, which in turn leads to "a comfortable, friendly organization atmosphere and work tempo." This is called an "Organizational Man" management style.

According to situational leadership, followers who are low in competence but high in commitment (R2) require a coaching or selling type of leadership.

According to situational leadership, a follower who is able but unwilling or insecure (R3) requires a directing leader style (S1).

In path-goal theory, it is the leader's responsibility to align worker and organizational goals and then to ensure that the employee's path to goal attainment is clear.

Path-goal theory states that leadership is not always needed. Rather, leadership supplies what is needed or missing for subordinates or their task environments.

According to path-goal theory, when jobs are difficult because of complexity or change, and workers have a desire for autonomy, a participative leader style is appropriate.

Leader-member exchange theory assumes three styles (stranger, acquaintance, partner), the acquaintance style is characterized by flexibility and high support of member needs.

Classical management theory assumes a directive style of leadership. How is this different from an authoritarian style?

Explain the contribution of the trait theory to the study of leadership.

The managerial grid theory was very popular in that it utilized a task-people balanced approach and provided an excellent framework for training and an overarching ideal of management behavior. Explain some of its weaknesses.