Question 1

Which one of the following is the least typical characteristic of a transformational leader?

Accepted Answer

A transformational leader is often known for their high moral reasoning abilities and adherence to ethical principles. Therefore, having low standing on moral reasoning is the least typical characteristic of a transformational leader. The other options (B, C, and D) are all typically displayed by transformational leaders.

Question 2

A recommended strategy for a transformational leader attempting to help a troubled organization is to concentrate resources where

Accepted Answer

Concentrating resources where change is needed the most and the potential payoff is big is crucial for a transformational leader attempting to help a troubled organization. This will ensure that the leader is addressing the root cause of the organization's problems and creating the most significant impact. Focusing on publicity or surprising subordinates may be distractions from the main goal, and addressing broken promises may be necessary but not the most effective use of resources initially.

Question 3

Melissa wants to bring about transformations in her organization.Which one of the following would be the best recommendation for her?

Accepted Answer

In order to bring about transformations in an organization, it is important to help people understand the need for change. Without this understanding, people may resist or undermine any efforts to transform the organization. The other options (short-term perspective, slightly better than average performance, and self-interest) may not necessarily facilitate or support organizational transformation.

Question 4

The concept of leadership polarity suggests that group members

Accepted Answer

The concept of leadership polarity suggests that group members tend to intensely like or dislike leaders, indicating a strong polarity in their opinions and emotions towards the leader. This can be due to the leader's traits, behaviors, or actions that may either resonate or clash with the group members' values and beliefs.

Question 5

A vision statement for AcerComputer is likely to be something to the effect, "Within three years we will increase our sales of desktop computers by 25 percent."

Accepted Answer

A vision statement for a company is a statement about the future state or direction of the organization, emphasizing its goals and aspirations. It is usually more broad and inspirational than a specific goal, such as increasing sales by a certain percentage within a set timeframe. Therefore, a vision statement for Acer Computer would be more about its overarching purpose or values, such as "Empowering people to achieve more through technology" or "Transforming the way people work and live with innovative computing solutions."

Question 6

Charismatic leaders are much more conservative than average with respect to risk taking.

Accepted Answer

Charismatic leaders are often known for their willingness to take risks and make bold decisions. They are often seen as inspiring and confident in their abilities to navigate uncertain situations.

Question 7

One technique a leader uses to bring about transformations is to get people

Accepted Answer

To bring about transformations, a leader needs to inspire people to look beyond their self-interest and focus on the greater good of the organization. This requires a shift in perspective, where individuals are motivated by a shared vision and a sense of purpose. When people are motivated by a sense of purpose, they are more likely to be committed to the organization's goals and work collaboratively to achieve them. This is key to bringing about transformative change within an organization.

Question 8

Part of a leader's vision is to implement the vision he or she created.

Accepted Answer

A leader's vision is incomplete if it is not implemented. It is the leader's responsibility to ensure that the vision is realized by collaborating with team members and allocating resources in the most effective way possible.

Question 9

One of the effects of charismatic leadership is the creation of a wide gap between the beliefs of the leader and those of group members.

Accepted Answer

Charismatic leadership actually aims to inspire and connect with group members, often by promoting shared beliefs and values. Thus, it is more likely to bring group members and the leader closer together in terms of their beliefs and goals.

Question 10

A socialized charismatic leader is concerned primarily with using power for the good of other people.

Accepted Answer

A socialized charismatic leader is someone who possesses a strong personal vision and a desire to use their power and influence to benefit others. They are focused on creating positive change and are able to inspire and motivate others to join them in working towards a common goal. They prioritize the needs of their followers and use their power for the greater good.

Question 11

A study showed that a person's perceptions of charisma tend to run in an opposite direction than those of his or her network members.

Accepted Answer

A person's perceptions of charisma are generally aligned with those of their network members, as charisma is often a socially constructed trait that is recognized and reinforced by the group.

Question 12

A transactional leader in contrast to a transformational one is more likely to

Accepted Answer

A transactional leader focuses on achieving specific goals through rewards and disciplinary actions based on performance. They motivate group members through a system of rewards and punishments for achieving or not achieving specific goals. Emphasizing rewards for good performance is a characteristic of a transactional leader.

Question 13

An essential part of being a charismatic and transformational leader is to offer constituents a vision of the future.

Accepted Answer

Charismatic and transformational leaders inspire and motivate their followers by offering them a compelling vision for the future. Such a vision provides a sense of direction, purpose, and meaning that helps followers feel excited about their shared goals and confident in their ability to achieve them. By providing a clear and inspiring vision, leaders can tap into the aspirations and values of their constituents, and harness their collective energy to create positive change.

Question 14

Being perceived as charismatic can often be important for a top-level leader to hold on to his or her position.

Accepted Answer

Charisma is a desirable quality in a leader and often contributes to their ability to motivate and inspire others. As such, it can be an important factor in maintaining their position of leadership.

Question 15

A study of team leadership found that transformational leadership helped the group

Accepted Answer

The study found that transformational leadership helped group members feel more potent, which in turn led to better performance. Option A is incorrect as transformational leadership related to empowering and guiding team members rather than promoting independent work. Option B is incorrect as it suggests that transformational leadership is associated with questioning the team's competence, which is not supported by the study. Option D is incorrect as it is the opposite of what the study found.

Question 16

A statistical analysis of charismatic leadership revealed that charisma is composed of three factors: charm, assertiveness, and expert power.

Accepted Answer

Charisma in leadership is typically composed of factors such as charm, confidence, and influence, but not specifically "expert power." Expert power is a separate concept related to knowledge and skills.

Question 17

A challenge to the validity of charismatic leadership is that leaders might be

Accepted Answer

A challenge to the validity of charismatic leadership is that leaders might be perceived as charismatic because of their accomplishments. See "Concerns about Charismatic Leadership."

Question 18

Charismatic leaders are easy-going, natural people who tend to minimize impression management.

Accepted Answer

Charismatic leaders often engage in impression management to maintain their charisma and influence, carefully crafting their public image and interactions to inspire and motivate others.

Question 19

A synthesis of studies about transformational leadership and performance found that this type of leadership

Accepted Answer

The synthesis of studies found that transformational leadership was positively associated with a group of criteria, indicating that it is generally beneficial for a team's performance.

Question 20

A major concern about charismatic leadership is that

Accepted Answer

Charismatic leaders have been known to lead their followers down an unethical path. This is because followers may blindly trust and follow the leader's vision without critically thinking about the consequences or questioning the leader's decisions. This blind following can result in unethical or even illegal actions. Therefore, it is important to be cautious of charismatic leaders who may not have the best intentions for the group.

Quiz 3: Charismatic and Transformational Leadership