Question 1

Which approach to implementing Fiedler's contingency theory in the workplace has proven effective?

Accepted Answer

Accurately measuring and matching leaders to situations has proven to be the most effective approach to implementing Fiedler's contingency theory in the workplace. This involves assessing the leader's style and the situational factors to identify the most appropriate leadership approach for the situation. By doing so, organizations can ensure that their leaders are matched to the situations they will be facing, increasing the likelihood of success. Other approaches, such as teaching managers how to change situational favourableness or adopting an arbitrary definition of situations, may not be as effective in practice. Similarly, hiring only supervisors with certain leadership traits may not provide sufficient information about how those traits will interact with different situations.

Question 2

Under the leadership of Hunter Harrison,Canadian Pacific Railway (CP)developed a very driven culture-whatever Harrison wanted to happen,he made happen. In terms of path-goal theory,which leadership style did Harrison use to improve CP's profitability?

Accepted Answer

Hunter Harrison's leadership style at the Canadian Pacific Railway was best described as directive. He set clear goals and expected his employees to follow a specific set of instructions to achieve them. He was also known for being hands-on and closely monitoring the company's performance to ensure that everyone was following his directives. This approach ultimately resulted in improved profitability for the company.

Question 3

The CEO of Canadian Pacific until recently was Hunter Harrison. Harrison turned the money-losing railroad into a profitable firm by "creating a culture of fear," according to union officials,and setting challenging goals for them. Which leadership style was Harrison using,based on his high expectations for his employees?

Accepted Answer

Harrison was using an achievement-oriented leadership style, which involves setting challenging goals and high expectations for employees.

Question 4

People enjoy working for Peter Herrndorf,the CEO of the National Arts Centre in Ottawa,because he encourages them to focus on excellence and on living up to the "National" in the organization's name. According to path-goal theory,what is Herrndorf's leadership style?

Accepted Answer

The answer of People enjoy working for Peter Herrndorf,the CEO...

Question 5

Wendy is very happy to have Dave as her new manager in the shipping department. She knows she can count on Dave when orders pile up. He gets out of his office and helps his staff,showing he really cares about them. Which path-goal leadership style does Dave exhibit?

Accepted Answer

Dave exhibits a supportive leadership style as he shows concern for his staff and is willing to help them out, creating a positive work environment.

Question 6

Which of the following is an example of an environmental contingency in path-goal theory?

Accepted Answer

Task structure is an example of an environmental contingency in path-goal theory. Task structure refers to the degree to which the tasks to be performed are clear and structured. The path-goal theory suggests that leaders may need to adjust their leadership style based on the task structure to help their subordinates achieve their goals. For example, in situations where the task is unclear, the leader may need to provide more directive leadership to help the subordinates understand what is expected of them.

Question 7

Toronto Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock regularly tinkers with line combinations and adjusts ice time for players depending on his views of what the players and the team need. What is Babcock doing in terms of the normative decision theory?

Accepted Answer

Mike Babcock is making autocratic decisions by adjusting line combinations and ice time based on his own views without consulting players, which aligns with the definition of autocratic decision-making in the normative decision theory.

Question 8

According to the path-goal theory of leadership,which type of leadership involves being friendly and approachable to employees,showing concern for them and their welfare,treating them as equals,and creating a friendly climate?

Accepted Answer

Supportive leadership involves being friendly and approachable to employees, showing concern for them and their welfare, treating them as equals, and creating a friendly climate. This style of leadership focuses on building relationships and creating a positive work environment, which can increase job satisfaction and motivation among employees.

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a leadership style identified in the path-goal theory of leadership?

Accepted Answer

The path-goal theory of leadership identifies four leadership styles: directive, supportive, participative, and achievement-oriented. Charismatic leadership is not one of the styles identified in this theory.

Question 10

According to path-goal theory,which of the following is an example of an environmental contingency?

Accepted Answer

An environmental contingency refers to factors outside of the leader's control that affect the team's success, such as the formal authority system in place. B, C, and D are individual contingencies, which refer to factors specific to each team member that affect their motivation and performance.

Question 11

Hot Topic is a fast-growing clothing chain targeted to the alternative teen demographic. Hot Topic's CEO Betsy McLaughlin relies on her employees to locate new trends. McLaughlin consults almost daily with her employees for suggestions on what the stores should carry. She relies on their input before making inventory decisions. Which style of leadership does McLaughlin use?

Accepted Answer

McLaughlin uses participative leadership style where she involves her employees in the decision-making process and seeks their input before making inventory decisions. She values their opinions and relies on them to locate new trends.

Question 12

Which of the following would subordinate satisfaction and subordinate performance be examples of in the path-goal theory of leadership?

Accepted Answer

In the path-goal theory of leadership, subordinate satisfaction and subordinate performance are considered outcomes. The theory focuses on how leaders can help subordinates achieve their goals, which in turn leads to these outcomes.

Question 13

According to the path-goal theory,which type of leadership involves consulting employees for their suggestions and input before making decisions?

Accepted Answer

Participative leadership involves consulting employees for their suggestions and input before making decisions. This type of leadership promotes employee involvement and participation in the decision-making process, which can increase their motivation and commitment.

Question 14

According to the path-goal theory,which type of leadership involves setting challenging goals,having high expectations of employees,and displaying confidence that employees will assume responsibility and put forth extraordinary effort?

Accepted Answer

Achievement-oriented leadership involves setting challenging goals, having high expectations of employees, and displaying confidence that employees will assume responsibility and put forth extraordinary effort. This type of leadership is focused on challenging employees to reach their full potential and achieve outstanding results.

Question 15

According to which of the following do leaders need to make clear how followers can achieve organizational goals,take care of problems that prevent followers from achieving goals,and then find more and varied rewards to motivate followers who achieve those goals?

Accepted Answer

The given description matches with the path-goal theory, which emphasizes the leader's role in clarifying goals, removing obstacles, and providing rewards to motivate followers to achieve goals. Fiedler's contingency theory focuses on matching leadership style with the situation, while the Blake/Mouton leadership grid emphasizes finding a balance between task orientation and people orientation. The Vroom-Yetton-Jago normative decision model provides a set of decision-making rules for leaders.

Question 16

Hunter Harrison came out of retirement to run Calgary-based Canadian Pacific Railway and turn it around. He implemented an operating model called "precision railroading" and was noted as having "the drive and ability to persuade your team to make [precision railroading] happen." Which of the following would Harrison likely have done?

Accepted Answer

Harrison likely would have told employees precisely what he expected them to do, as precision railroading involves clear directives and expectations to improve efficiency and performance.

Question 17

When Leon was hired to manage the distribution centre,his supervisor advised him that,if he wanted to be a successful leader,he should adopt these practices: "Do things that satisfy followers today or will lead to future rewards or satisfaction," and "Offer employees something unique and valuable beyond what they're experiencing or can already do for themselves." Which leadership theory does Leon's supervisor apparently believe to be best?

Accepted Answer

Leon's supervisor's advice aligns with the principles of the path-goal theory of leadership. This theory suggests that leaders should provide followers with the necessary guidance and support to achieve their goals and to ensure that their efforts are aligned with the broader objectives of the organization. The two practices recommended by Leon's supervisor - doing things that satisfy followers today or will lead to future rewards or satisfaction and offering something unique and valuable beyond what they're experiencing or can already do for themselves - are consistent with the path-goal theory's emphasis on helping followers to achieve their goals and providing them with added value.

Question 18

According to the path-goal theory of leadership,which of the following is similar to considerate leader behaviour?

Accepted Answer

Considerate leader behaviour is characterized by providing support and showing concern for the well-being of followers. This is similar to supportive leadership, which involves showing concern for the needs and feelings of followers and creating a friendly and approachable work environment. Directive leadership involves giving specific instructions and closely supervising followers, participative leadership involves involving followers in decision-making, and achievement-oriented leadership involves setting high goals and encouraging followers to achieve them. While all of these leadership styles can be effective in certain situations, they are not necessarily similar to considerate leader behaviour.

Question 19

Isabelle Hudon,executive chair of Sun Life Financial Quebec,establishes ambitious goals for her employees and is confident that her employees will be able to achieve these goals. Which type of leadership is Hudon exhibiting in terms of path-goal theory?

Accepted Answer

Achievement-oriented leadership is characterized by setting challenging goals and having high expectations for employee performance. Hudon is exhibiting this type of leadership by establishing ambitious goals for her employees and having confidence that they will be able to achieve them.

Question 20

According to the path-goal theory of leadership,which type of leadership lets employees know precisely what is expected of them,gives them specific guidelines for performing tasks,schedules work,sets standards of performance,and makes sure that people follow standard rules and regulations?

Accepted Answer

The description matches the characteristics of directive leadership which involves giving specific directives and guidelines to employees to perform tasks and achieve goals.

Quiz 13: Leadership