Question 1

Which leadership theory emphasizes the relationship between the leader and individual group members rather than that between the leader and the group as a whole?

Accepted Answer

Leader-Member Exchange Theory, also known as LMX theory, places emphasis on the relationship between the leader and individual group members. This theory suggests that leaders develop different levels of relationship quality with different subordinates which can impact job satisfaction, performance, and job challenges.

Question 2

Which of the following is not a supervisory style according to path goal theory?

Accepted Answer

Path-goal theory identifies supportive, participative, and directive as supervisory styles, but does not include autocratic as a style within its framework.

Question 3

The research on path-goal theory

Accepted Answer

The research on path-goal theory has provided inconsistent support for some of the hypotheses proposed. While some studies have found support for the predictions made by the theory, others have not been able to replicate those findings. Additionally, some studies have found support for certain aspects of the theory (such as the importance of leader support), but not for others (such as the directive style of leadership). Overall, the evidence is mixed and more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of this theory.

Question 4

Which of the following would NOT reflect consideration?

Accepted Answer

Letting group members know what is expected of them is more related to clarity and communication than consideration. Consideration involves showing empathy, kindness, and respect towards others.

Question 5

According to path goal leadership theory,a leader who sets challenging task goals emphasizes achievement and high performance goals would be considered to be demonstrating which type of leadership style?

Accepted Answer

The path goal leadership theory suggests that a leader can use different types of leadership styles to motivate their team. One of these styles is the achievement-oriented leadership style, which focuses on setting challenging task goals to encourage high performance and achievement. Therefore, a leader who sets challenging task goals and emphasizes achievement and high performance goals would be demonstrating the achievement-oriented leadership style.

Question 6

Fiedler's major contribution is that he has shown us that

Accepted Answer

Fiedler's contingency theory of leadership emphasizes that effective leadership is determined by the interaction between the leader's personality and the situational factors they face. This suggests that there is no one "best" leadership style, and that different styles may be effective in different situations. Therefore, option C is the correct choice. Options A, B, and D are all either too narrow or too broad to accurately capture Fiedler's contributions to the field of leadership.

Question 7

Which of the following subordinate characteristics is important,according to path-goal theory as described in the text?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following subordinate characteristics is...

Question 8

What is the major weakness of Fiedler's contingency model?

Accepted Answer

The major weakness of Fiedler's contingency model is that it is not clear what the LPC (Least Preferred Coworker) scale really measures. This scale is supposed to help determine a leader's style by evaluating their feelings towards the least preferred coworker, but its actual psychological underpinnings and implications for leadership effectiveness are debated.

Question 9

According to path-goal theory,under some circumstances leaders should show concern for the needs and welfare of their subordinates.This is the ___________ leadership style.

Accepted Answer

The supportive leadership style, as per path-goal theory, entails the leaders showing concern for the needs and welfare of their subordinates. They provide emotional and psychological support to their team members and strive to create a comfortable work environment. This style is most effective when the task at hand is stressful, unstructured or unpleasant, and the employees lack confidence or experience. Therefore, the best option is D.

Question 10

According to leader-member exchange theory,certain subordinates will be trusted,treated with consideration,and expected to work extra hard.These subordinates are called the

Accepted Answer

Leader-member exchange theory posits that leaders develop unique one-to-one relationships with each of the subordinates. Those who are part of the in-group, who have higher-quality exchanges with the leader, are often referred to as the "cadre." These members are trusted more, treated with more consideration, and often expected to perform beyond standard expectations.

Question 11

Which training program trains leaders to change situations to be more appropriate to their leadership style?

Accepted Answer

The Leader Match program is designed to train leaders to change situations to better match their leadership style, based on Fiedler's contingency model. This approach suggests that leaders can be more effective when the situational variables are favorable to their particular style.

Question 12

Fiedler's contingency theory of leadership

Accepted Answer

Fiedler's contingency theory of leadership argues that leadership is a function of the situation and the person. This means that there is no single best leadership style, and that the effectiveness of a leader's style depends on the situation they are in. Fiedler's theory proposes that a leader's effectiveness depends on the match between their leadership style and the situation, as well as the extent to which the leader has control over the situation. Therefore, Fiedler's contingency theory rejects the assumption that certain leader behaviors are effective regardless of the situation, and also rejects the assumption that certain characteristics of people will make them good leaders.

Question 13

Which leadership theory is logically based on expectancy theory?

Accepted Answer

Path-goal theory is logically based on expectancy theory as it suggests that a leader's behavior should be focused on increasing the motivation and expectancy of employees by clarifying the path to their goals and removing any obstacles along the way. The theory emphasizes that the leader's actions should be contingent upon the needs of the employees and the task at hand to maximize motivation and performance.

Question 14

According to Fiedler,a high LPC leader will be most effective when he or she has ___________ situational control

Accepted Answer

According to Fiedler's contingency theory, a high LPC leader is relationship-oriented and will be most effective in moderate situational control, where the leader has some control over the situation but also needs to rely on the cooperation of others. Low LPC leaders are task-oriented and will be most effective in either high or low situational control, depending on their ability to exert control over the situation. Total situational control is not realistic or possible in most situations.

Question 15

Which of the following is NOT a contingency theory of leadership?

Accepted Answer

Leader behavior theory is not a contingency theory of leadership, but rather a trait theory that focuses on identifying specific behaviors that are associated with effective leadership. Contingency theories, on the other hand, suggest that the most effective leadership style is contingent upon the situation or context in which the leader is operating. The other three options (B, C, and D) are all contingency theories of leadership.

Question 16

Fiedler's contingency theory posits that three characteristics of the situation are important for leadership.Which of the following is NOT one of the three characteristics of the situation discussed by Fiedler?

Accepted Answer

The three characteristics of the situation discussed by Fiedler are leader-member relations, position power, and task structure. Group member experience is not one of the three characteristics.

Question 17

Which of the following conclusions would Fiedler NOT draw from his theory?

Accepted Answer

Fiedler's contingency theory posits that there is no one best way to lead. Instead, the effectiveness of a leader is contingent on the match between the leader's style and the favorability of the situation. Fiedler does not advocate for leaders to adapt their style to fit the situation; rather, he suggests that the effectiveness of leadership is contingent upon the situational context and the leader's fixed leadership style.

Question 18

Jim is employed at New Millennium Enterprises.He and his team are given highly structured tasks and supervised with a very directive style.They are never asked to offer input into departmental decisions.Sally,on the other hand is always treated with consideration and is consulted about many of the important decisions that effect the department.Leader exchange theory would argue that Jim is a member of the ___________ and Sally a member of the __________.

Accepted Answer

According to leader exchange theory, there are two groups in any organization: the ingroup and the outgroup. The ingroup is made up of employees who have a close relationship with their supervisor, are given greater responsibilities, and are included in more decision-making processes. The outgroup is made up of employees who have a more distant relationship with their supervisor, are given less responsibilities, and are excluded from decision-making processes. Jim is given highly structured tasks and supervised with a very directive style, which indicates that he is part of the outgroup. Sally, on the other hand, is always treated with consideration and consulted about important decisions, which suggests that she is part of the ingroup. Therefore, the correct answer is option D (outgroup; cadre).

Question 19

According to Fiedler,the amount of power and influence that a leader has over subordinates is referred to as

Accepted Answer

According to Fiedler's contingency theory, the amount of power and influence that a leader has over subordinates is referred to as situational control. This is one of the three situational variables that affect leadership effectiveness, along with leader-member relations and task structure.

Question 20

Which leadership theory posits that subordinate job performance and satisfaction result from the combination of situational characteristics,subordinate characteristics,and supervisor style?

Accepted Answer

Path-goal theory suggests that a leader's behavior is contingent to the satisfaction, motivation, and performance of their subordinates. The theory integrates the leadership style with the characteristics of the subordinates and the work setting (situational characteristics) to achieve the desired performance and satisfaction.

Quiz 13: Leadership and Power in Organizations