Question 1

The path-goal approach has its roots in a more general motivational theory called expectancy theory.

Accepted Answer

The statement is true. The path-goal approach was developed based on the principles of expectancy theory, which states that individuals are motivated to perform when they believe that their efforts will lead to their desired outcomes, and that their performance will be rewarded. The path-goal approach focuses on how leaders can help their followers achieve their goals by providing them with the necessary support and guidance to increase their motivation and performance.

Question 2

According to Fiedler,the effectiveness of the leader will be defined in terms of how well his/her group or organization performs the primary tasks for which the group exists.

Accepted Answer

According to Fiedler's contingency model, the effectiveness of a leader is determined by the degree of match between the leader's style and the situation in which he/she is leading. However, ultimately, the effectiveness of the leader is measured by how well the group or organization performs the tasks for which it exists.

Question 3

According to Mitchell,a participative climate should increase the clarity of organizational contingencies.

Accepted Answer

Mitchell's theory suggests that a participative climate, where employees are involved in decision making and given autonomy, can lead to more thorough discussion of organizational contingencies and ultimately increase clarity in the workplace.

Question 4

A number of studies suggest that each leader follows a unique leadership style irrespective of the situation.

Accepted Answer

This statement is incorrect. Research suggests that effective leaders use a range of leadership styles, adapting their approach to suit the specific situation and the needs of their team. The most successful leaders are those who are able to be flexible and use a variety of leadership styles depending on the circumstances.

Question 5

Common sense suggests that it is much easier to change the man than to change various aspects of a man's job.

Accepted Answer

Common sense actually suggests that it is often easier to change various aspects of a man's job than to change the man himself, as people's behaviors and personalities are deeply ingrained and can be resistant to change.

Question 6

Leaders with a low least preferred co-worker (LPC) score are more task-oriented,and they tend to evaluate their least preferred co-worker fairly negatively.

Accepted Answer

According to the LPC theory, leaders with a low LPC score tend to focus more on task achievement and tend to evaluate their least preferred co-worker negatively. This is because they prioritize task accomplishment over maintaining good interpersonal relationships. Therefore, option A is true.

Question 7

Situational conditions and follower attributes interact with the leader,shaping what might be effective leadership.

Accepted Answer

Situational conditions and follower attributes are two factors that interact with the leader and have a significant impact on leadership effectiveness. Leaders need to be aware of these factors and adapt their leadership style accordingly to achieve the best outcome. Therefore, the statement is true.

Question 8

According to the contingency theory of leadership,leaders' motivational orientation toward others can be captured by the attitudes they express about their most preferred worker.

Accepted Answer

Contingency theory of leadership suggests that the effectiveness of a leader is contingent upon how well the leader's style matches the situation, rather than their motivational orientation toward others or attitudes about their most preferred worker.

Question 9

An organization can change leadership performance either by trying to change the individual's personality and motivational pattern or by changing the favorableness of the leader's situation.

Accepted Answer

An organization can try to change the individual's personality and motivational pattern by providing training programs, coaching, and feedback. It can also change the favorableness of the leader's situation by adjusting the tasks, rewards, and relationships associated with the leadership role.

Question 10

The path-goal theory not only suggests what type of style may be most effective in a given situation,but it also attempts to explain why it is most effective.

Accepted Answer

The path-goal theory not only suggests the most effective leadership style for a given situation but also provides an explanation for why that style is effective.

Question 11

A contingency factor is a variable which moderates the relationship between two other variables such as leader behavior and subordinate satisfaction.

Accepted Answer

A contingency factor is a variable that affects the relationship between two other variables. It can strengthen, weaken or even reverse the relationship between two variables. In the context of leadership, contingency factors such as task complexity, team cohesiveness, and organizational culture can impact the effectiveness of a leader's behavior on team performance and satisfaction.

Question 12

The path-goal theory hypothesizes that achievement-oriented leadership will cause subordinates to strive for very high standards of performance thereby reducing their confidence in performing the tasks.

Accepted Answer

According to the path-goal theory, achievement-oriented leadership is expected to increase subordinate motivation by setting challenging goals and providing them with support and guidance to achieve those goals. This should lead to increased confidence and competence in performing tasks, rather than reducing it.

Question 13

The path-goal theory asserts that the more dissatisfying the task,the more the subordinate will appreciate leader behavior directed at increasing productivity or enforcing compliance.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The path-goal theory asserts that the more...

Question 14

The study by Fiedler determined that task-motivated individuals performed better than relationship-motivated leaders in situations that were intermediate in favorableness.

Accepted Answer

The study by Fiedler determined that relationship-motivated leaders performed better than task-motivated individuals in situations that were intermediate in favorableness.

Question 15

According to Robert J.House and Terence R.Mitchell's path-goal model,role ambiguity calls for participative leadership to clarify the path to performance.

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Robert J.House and Terence R.Mitchell's...

Question 16

The contingency model holds that the effectiveness of group performance is contingent upon the subordinates' motivational pattern and the actual performance of followers.

Accepted Answer

The contingency model, particularly in leadership theory (e.g., Fiedler's contingency model), suggests that the effectiveness of a leader or a leadership style is contingent upon the situation, including the leader's preferred style, the characteristics of the followers, and the specifics of the task or organizational environment, not just the subordinates' motivational pattern and actual performance.

Question 17

The need for leadership is defined in terms of the extent to which an individual wishes independence in facilitating the paths toward individual,group,and/or organizational goals.

Accepted Answer

The need for leadership is typically defined in terms of the ability to influence and guide individuals or groups toward achieving common goals, rather than an individual's desire for independence in facilitating these paths.

Question 18

One of the myths that the Fiedler article discredits is the idea that some men are born leaders and that neither training,experience,nor conditions can materially affect leadership skills.

Accepted Answer

Fiedler's contingency theory suggests that leadership effectiveness depends on the match between a leader's style and the demands of the situation, rather than the idea that leadership skills are innate and unchangeable. This implies that training, experience, and situational conditions can indeed affect leadership skills, discrediting the myth of "born leaders."

Question 19

The expectations of subordinates that effort will result in effective performance and that effective performance will result in a reward is one of the subordinate attitudes described in the path-goal theory.

Accepted Answer

This is true according to the path-goal theory, which includes the expectation of subordinates that their effort will lead to effective performance and that this effective performance will result in a desired reward or outcome.

Question 20

Supportive leadership is characterized by a leader who lets subordinates know what is expected of them,gives them specific guidance as to what should be done and how it should be done,and asks that group members follow standard rules and regulations.

Accepted Answer

Supportive leadership is more focused on building relationships, showing empathy and support for subordinates, and prioritizing their well-being, rather than strictly defining tasks and enforcing rules.

Quiz 8: Contingency and Path-Goal Theories of Leadership