Leadership Theory and Practice 8th Edition by Peter G. Northouse – Test Bank

 

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Test Bank

Chapter 5: Situational Approach

Multiple Choice

 

1. It is accurate to say that Situational Leadership II (SLII) is primarily ______.
2. descriptive
3. prescriptive
4. well supported by research
5. trait related

Ans: B

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Description

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

2. Which of the following statements best describes situational leadership?
3. Specific leaders are needed in specific situations.
4. Leaders must adapt to the situation, but not to the followers.
5. Different situations demand different kinds of leadership.
6. Leadership is directive.

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Description

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

3. Who focused on leaders matching their styles to the competence and commitment of employees?
4. Stogdill
5. Hersey and Blanchard
6. Blake and McCanse
7. Katz

Ans: B

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Description

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

4. The situational approach ______.
5. is irrelevant in modern day leadership
6. focuses on describing not prescribing leadership
7. is used widely in leadership training and development
8. determined that high-directive and high-supportive behaviors work best in all situations

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Description

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Contexts of organizations

 

5. The SLII model is divided into two parts: ______.
6. leadership attributes and follower skills
7. leadership skills and follower development level
8. leadership development levels and follower behaviors
9. leadership style and follower development level

Ans: D

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Description

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

6. Adjusting leadership styles is based on the assumption that ______.
7. followers’ skills and motivation vary over time
8. leaders have to develop basic skills prior to assessing follower needs
9. followers’ skill level stays the same, whereas motivation level varies
10. leaders adjust their styles to the behavioral styles of followers

Ans: A

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Description

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

7. In the SLII model, leaders evaluate how ______ and ______ followers are to perform a task.
8. intentional and committed
9. motivated and determined
10. competent and committed
11. focused and intelligent

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Description

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

8. Follower development level in SLII is determined by level of ______.
9. competence and commitment
10. social judgment and cognitive ability
11. sociability and determination
12. task and directive behaviors

Ans: A

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Description

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

9. In SLII, leaders use different degrees of ______ and ______ to meet the needs of followers.
10. motivation and determination
11. competence and commitment
12. supportive and directive behaviors
13. social judgment and cognitive ability

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Description

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

10. The situational leadership approach ______.
11. is one of the more widely recognized leadership approaches
12. integrates leadership skills with follower skills
13. integrates leadership behaviors with follower traits
14. is not recognized as a legitimate modern day leadership approach

Ans: A

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Description

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Contexts of organizations

 

11. The situational approach labels leaders’ styles specifically as ______.
12. initiating structure and consideration
13. high task and low task
14. task and relationship
15. directive and supportive

Ans: D

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Description

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

12. You are president of a large corporation. At a typical monthly meeting, each of your vice presidents gives standard area reports. In the past, these reports have been good, and the VPs seem satisfied about their work. Based on SLII, which leadership style should you exhibit at the next meeting?
13. style 1
14. style 2
15. style 3
16. style 4

Ans: D

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Leadership Style

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Analytical thinking

 

13. Which leadership style includes a high level of support and also is one in which the leader makes the final decision about goal accomplishment?
14. directing
15. supporting
16. delegating
17. coaching

Ans: D

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Leadership Style

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

14. A leader who gives followers instructions about how and when goals should be achieved and supervises them carefully is using ______.
15. directing behaviors
16. supporting behaviors
17. delegating behaviors
18. coaching behaviors

Ans: A

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Leadership Style

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

15. A leader who gives recognition and social support to followers is using ______.
16. directing behaviors
17. supporting behaviors
18. delegating behaviors
19. coaching behaviors

Ans: B

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Leadership Style

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

16. A leader who lets followers take responsibility for task accomplishment and has less involvement with followers is using ______.
17. directing behaviors
18. supporting behaviors
19. delegating behaviors
20. coaching behaviors

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Leadership Style

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

17. You were recently hired into an organization that you have always wanted to work at, and in addition, your education and experience complement your new position perfectly. According to the situational model, your level of development is ______.
18. S2
19. D2
20. S1
21. D4

Ans: D

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Development Level

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

18. You recently were promoted to a new position and are very excited, but you have little to no experience with numerous aspects of the new position. According to the situational model, your level of development is ______.
19. S4
20. D1
21. S1
22. D4

Ans: B

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Development Level

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

19. You have been employed at your organization for some time and are starting to gain the necessary skills associated with your position but have trouble staying as motivated as you used to be. According to the situational model, your level of development is ______.
20. S4
21. D2
22. S1
23. S2

Ans: B

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Development Level

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

20. As a recent graduate from the top chemistry program in the country, you quickly receive a position with a chemical company and are given a high-salary position. You are nervous and feel that you need more experience or assistance to meet organizational standards. According to the situational model, your level of development is ______.
21. S4
22. D2
23. S1
24. D3

Ans: D

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Development Level

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

21. Low in competence and high in commitment ______.
22. D1
23. D2
24. S2
25. S4

Ans: A

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Development Level

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

22. Some competence but low commitment ______.
23. D1
24. D2
25. S2
26. S1

Ans: B

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Development Level

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

23. The development level in the SLII model is ______.
24. the degree to which leaders are capable of adjusting their styles
25. the skill with which the followers adjust their styles
26. the traits that make up who a follower is
27. the degree to which followers have the capability and motivation for task accomplishment

Ans: D

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Development Level

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

24. Followers who have little skill for the task but are very motivated in getting the task done are ______.
25. D1
26. D2
27. D3
28. D4

Ans: A

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Development Level

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

25. Followers who have some ability to complete a task but lack motivation about the task are ______.
26. D1
27. D2
28. D3
29. D4

Ans: B

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Development Level

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

26. Followers who are quite competent to complete tasks but lack the commitment to do so are ______.
27. D1
28. D2
29. D3
30. D4

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Development Level

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

27. Followers who are highly motivated, committed, and motivated to accomplish tasks are ______.
28. D1
29. D2
30. D3
31. D4

Ans: D

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Development Level

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

28. The D4 follower needs which type of leader?
29. supportive
30. directive
31. coaching
32. delegating

Ans: D

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Development Level

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

29. The highly competent, highly committed follower benefits from ______.
30. a leader who provides a high level of support
31. a leader who directs tasks carefully
32. a leader who stays out of the day-to-day tasks and provides low levels of support
33. a leader who is both a cheerleader and authoritarian

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: How Does the Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

30. Which of the following would a leader using the situational approach not ask when determining the nature of the situation?
31. What task are the followers being asked to perform?
32. How can I best alter the styles of the followers?
33. How complex is the task?
34. Are the followers sufficiently skilled to accomplish the task?

Ans: B

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: How Does the Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

31. If followers are low in competence and high in commitment, a leader should adopt which style?
32. low-directive and high-supportive style
33. high-directive and high-supportive style
34. low-directive and low-supportive style
35. high-directive and low-supportive style

Ans: D

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: How Does the Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

32. You are the executive director of the local animal humane society. The staff you supervise have been working at the society for more than two years and you have given them consistently excellent performance appraisals at the last two annual reviews. You have noticed lately that they have brought new ideas to you for ways to improve customer service and animal care and that they are excited about helping new staff get accustomed to the workplace. Based on the Situational Leadership Approach, which leadership style should you exhibit?
33. delegating
34. supporting
35. coaching
36. directing

Ans: A

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: How Does the Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork

 

33. You are the executive director of the local animal humane society. A staff member you supervise has been working at the society for less than one year. At the 6-month, you discuss with this employee that they seem to have mastered the basic tasks of the job but not the more difficult tasks. You have noticed lately that they seem a bit disillusioned about the job and the process of caring for these animals that seem so sad to be in the facility. Based on the Situational Leadership Approach, which leadership style should you exhibit?
34. delegating
35. supporting
36. coaching
37. directing

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: How Does the Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork

 

34. You are the executive director of the local animal humane society. A staff member you supervise has been working at the society for about one year. At the annual performance evaluation review, you share that you are pleased to see the employee has mastered both the basic and more difficult tasks of the job. You notice, however, that this employee still lacks the confidence and motivation to take on new tasks. Based on the Situational Leadership Approach, which leadership style should you exhibit?
35. delegating
36. supporting
37. coaching
38. directing

Ans: B

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: How Does the Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork

 

35. You are the executive director of the local animal humane society. You hired a staff member four weeks ago. You notice this new employee cheerfully interacting with other staff and potential adopters and daily attempting to learn new tasks. It is clear this employee needs more time and help learning the correct policies and methods to complete the work, and when you share this information, the employee readily accepts these directions. Based on the Situational Leadership Approach, which leadership style should you exhibit?
36. delegating
37. supporting
38. coaching
39. directing

Ans: D

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: How Does the Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork

 

36. As the executive director of the local animal humane society, you work with several employees who are at varying levels of experience in working with animal welfare issues and with varying degrees of motivation to continue this important work. Using situational leadership concepts, you should
37. adapt your style based on experience and skill level of the staff
38. adapt your leadership style based on the motivation level of the staff
39. demonstrate a high degree of flexibility in your style to each staff member
40. demonstrate little flexibility in your style as you interact only with high-level staff members

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: How Does the Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork

 

37. Which of the following would a leader ask when determining the commitment level of a follower?
38. What task are the followers being asked to perform?
39. How can I best alter the styles of the followers?
40. Do the followers have the desire to complete the task?
41. How complex is the task?

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: How Does the Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

38. Followers can move back and forth along the developmental continuum, therefore leaders should ______.
39. use the one leader behavior with which they are most comfortable
40. put structures in place to limit this movement
41. be flexible in their leadership behavior
42. challenge the movement and direct followers to stay where they are

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Analysis

Answer Location: How Does the Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork

 

39. Which of the following would not be considered a strength of the situational approach?
40. emphasizes leadership flexibility
41. is a very practical approach
42. is considered a credible model for training leaders within organizations
43. takes the influence of gender into account during leader-follower situations

Ans: D

Cognitive Domain: Analysis

Answer Location: Strengths

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Analytical thinking

 

40. Which best describes the reason situational leadership is so practical for managers to use?
41. it assists in relating demographics to leadership
42. it is only applicable to lower-level managers
43. it is straightforward
44. it is specific

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Strengths

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

41. Which of the following is a strength of the situational leadership approach?
42. it is descriptive not prescriptive
43. commitment of followers is clearly defined
44. demographics such as gender and age are accounted for in the empirical research
45. it is perceived as a useful model of leadership training and development

Ans: D

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Strengths

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

42. Questionnaires on situational leadership often ask for respondents to look at specific applications of leadership styles within situations, which may result in _____.
43. results that are not in favor of situational leadership
44. a wide range of responses that are hard to validate
45. biased results in favor of situational leadership
46. negative perceptions toward organizations

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Criticisms

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

43. Because of the lack of research studies associated with situational leadership, there are questions concerning its theoretical basis. Which of the following is not one of these questions?
44. Is it certain that this approach does indeed improve performance?
45. Can we be sure it is a valid approach?
46. Why are there limited doctoral dissertations done on the situational approach?
47. Why has there been a lack of published research findings?

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Criticisms

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

44. You are leader of a group project for a class. The other group members seem insecure about whether they can complete the project, but it is apparent that they are competent enough to do a good job. In prior meetings you have been coaching them on the project. Based on SLII, which leadership style should you exhibit at the next meeting?
45. Style 1
46. Style 2
47. Style 3
48. Style 4

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Leadership Style

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork

 

45. You are the leader of a small jazz band composed of four of your peers who have never been in a jazz group before. As the leader of the band, you have been very straightforward about how the band will function. You have clearly described each of the members’ roles, and they are starting to catch on to how the group works. What style do you exhibit next?
46. Style 1
47. Style 2
48. Style 3
49. Style 4

Ans: B

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Leadership Style

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork

 

46. You are the owner of a small catering company and have recently hired a skilled baker to complement your staff. When business is slow, however, you need the baker to help prepare other kinds of foods. Some of the processes (like deboning fish and preparing soup stock) are complicated and require detailed training. What style should you use under these circumstances?
47. Style 1
48. Style 2
49. Style 3
50. Style 4

Ans: A

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Leadership Style

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork

 

47. You have recently been made a department head of the new regional office. In getting to know your departmental staff, you have noticed that one of your inexperienced employees is not following through on assigned tasks. She is enthused about her new job and wants to get ahead in the organization. Which alternative represents the most effective leadership style?
48. discuss the lack of follow-through with her and explore possible ways to solve this problem
49. specify what she must do to complete the tasks, but incorporate any suggestions she may have
50. define the steps necessary to complete the assigned tasks and monitor her performance frequently
51. let her know about the lack of follow-through and give her more time to improve her performance

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Leadership Style

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork

 

48. A leader who emphasizes communication with followers in both achieving goals as well as meeting social needs would best be described as possessing ______.
49. directing style
50. delegating style
51. supporting style
52. coaching style

Ans: D

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Leadership Style

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

49. Allowing a group of employees to run the daily operations of the organization while the supervisor remains out of the picture unless he is needed to solve problems, listen to concerns, give praise, and provide feedback is best explained with ______.
50. directing style
51. delegating approach
52. supporting approach
53. coaching approach

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Leadership Style

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

50. Once a group has established a plan of action toward achieving its goals, the supervisor allows the group to carry out the plan with little to no involvement. This is an example of ______.
51. directing style
52. delegating approach
53. supporting approach
54. coaching approach

Ans: B

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Leadership Style

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

51. Leaders adjust their styles based on ______.
52. the collective needs of the group
53. their own skill sets
54. followers skill sets
55. the level of motivation and competency of their followers

Ans: D

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Description

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

52. Leaders evaluate the competence and commitment of followers in which leadership theory?
53. path-goal
54. leader-member exchange
55. servant
56. situational

Ans: D

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Description

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

53. A highly committed follower who does his job consistently well needs which type of leader?
54. supportive
55. directive
56. coaching
57. delegating

Ans: D

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Development Level

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

54. A follower with low-level motivation and mid-to-high level ability to complete the job benefits from ______.
55. a leader who provides a high level of support
56. a leader who directs tasks carefully
57. a leader who stays out of the day-to-day tasks
58. a leader who is both a cheerleader and authoritarian

Ans: A

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: How Does the Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

55. The highly committed follower who just has not figured out how to do his job benefits from ______.
56. a leader who provides a high level of support
57. a leader who directs tasks carefully
58. a leader who stays out of the day-to-day tasks and provides low levels of support
59. a leader who is both a cheerleader and authoritarian

Ans: B

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: How Does the Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

56. A leader applying the situational approach would ______.
57. focus on developing leader skills
58. focus on adapting behavior to the subordinate and task characteristics of followers
59. focus on supportive behaviors for all followers
60. focus on assessing and adapting to followers’ needs in the workplace

Ans: D

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: How Does the Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Analytical thinking

 

57. When the leader tries to apply the right style of behavior to the situation he or she ______.
58. first diagnoses, then adjusts appropriately
59. first adjusts, then evaluates the situation
60. first diagnoses, then delegates tasks
61. first adjusts, then provides direction

Ans: A

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: How Does the Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

58. Jocelyn is struggling to grasp the process of a new job you have given her. She states she understands the outcome of the project, but not how to start the project. She looks miserable and uninterested in trying to start the project. Which alternative represents the most effective leadership style you should use with Jocelyn?
59. discuss the initial steps and ask her for input on alternative ways she could get started
60. specify what she must do to complete the tasks and let her get started
61. define the steps necessary to complete the assigned tasks and monitor her performance frequently
62. let her know she just needs to get started now

Ans: A

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Leadership Style

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork

 

59. You are the leader of a group project for a class in which you previously have successfully used coaching style. Now the group members seem very insecure about whether they can complete the project, but it is apparent that they have learned a lot about how to do the project and are now quite competent to do a good job. You decide to switch to a supporting style. Why did you make this switch?
60. the followers moved up in competence
61. supportive behaviors always help followers
62. the followers’ competence and commitment are about equal
63. the followers have moderate level of commitment

Ans: A

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Leadership Style

Difficulty Level: Hard

AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork

 

60. I prefer to use a low level of supportive leader behaviors and high directive behaviors with all of my followers. Which of my followers will benefit most from my use of these behaviors?
61. D1
62. D2
63. D3
64. D4

Ans: A

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Development Level

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork

 

61. I tend to tell my staff what to do and how to do it while I encourage them and ask them for input about the goals of our organization. Which of my followers will benefit most from my use of these behaviors?
62. D1
63. D2
64. D3
65. D4

Ans: B

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Development Level

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork

 

62. I prefer to tell my staff what to do and rarely integrate them in the decision-making process. Which of my followers will benefit most from my use of these behaviors?
63. D1
64. D2
65. D3
66. D4

Ans: A

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Development Level

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork

 

63. Situational approach to leadership ______.
64. clearly describes how a follower’s age impacts a leader’s style decisions
65. emphasizes cultural competence for leaders across all situations
66. does not account for gender in leader–follower prescriptions
67. does not consider followers’ skill levels

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Criticisms

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

64. Which of the following is a criticism of situational approach?
65. It does not address how commitment and competence integrate into development levels.
66. It is used in training and development programs.
67. It has prescriptive value for leaders.
68. It is highly flexible in nature.

Ans: A

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Criticisms

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

65. In situational leadership ______.
66. leaders find their personal best style and apply it to all followers
67. leaders adapt their behaviors to meet the organization’s needs
68. leaders match their styles to the subordinate development levels
69. leaders adjust their styles based on their own skill level

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: How Does Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

66. Competence in the situational leadership approach can be defined as ______.
67. having a positive attitude toward the work
68. being dedicated and a hard-worker
69. having the desire to complete the task
70. possessing the skills necessary to complete the task

Ans: D

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: How Does Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

67. Commitment in the situational leadership approach can be defined as ______.
68. having motivation and confidence in doing the work
69. being dedicated and a hard worker
70. possessing the skills necessary to complete the task
71. mastering the skills necessary to complete the task

Ans: A

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: How Does Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

68. Situational leadership comprises both directive and supportive dimensions ______.
69. that are behaviorally similar to task and relationship behaviors in the behavioral approach
70. that are applied in the same way to all followers
71. that are used separately depending on the followers’ needs
72. that are applied to followers who are not sure what their task needs are

Ans: A

Cognitive Domain: Analysis

Answer Location: How Does Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Analytical thinking

 

69. The directive and supportive behaviors in situational approach ______.
70. are applied separately depending on followers’ needs
71. are applied to the same degree in the supportive behavioral style
72. must be applied together depending on the followers’ needs
73. must be applied to the same degree in the directive behavioral style

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Analysis

Answer Location: How Does Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Analytical thinking

 

70. You communicate well with your followers by encouraging their work and helping them plan out their daily tasks. Which leader behavioral style are you using?
71. delegating
72. directing
73. supporting
74. coaching

Ans: D

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: How Does Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork

71. You communicate with your followers when necessary and provide direction if followers ask for it but day-to-day control of the decisions and work are left to your followers. You are using which leader behavioral style?
72. delegating
73. directing
74. supporting
75. coaching

Ans: A

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: How Does Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork

 

72. The situational approach requires leaders to ______.
73. show high degree of control
74. demonstrate heavy authority
75. practice great flexibility
76. provide constant coaching

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Description

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

73. Which of the following is considered a strength of the situational approach?
74. its extensive use in leadership training and development
75. its strong theoretical underpinnings
76. its detailed conceptualizations of developmental levels
77. its applicability to large groups of followers

Ans: A

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Summary

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

74. Research by Zigarmi and Roberts (2017) suggested that followers feel positive about their job when ______.
75. leaders treat all of their employees in the same way regardless of situation
76. followers perceive a match between their own needs and their leader’s behavior
77. followers are situated in groups where everyone has complementary personality traits
78. leaders use mostly supportive behaviors with females and directive behaviors with males

Ans: B

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Strengths

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

75. Compared to the trait approach, the situational approach ______.
76. suggests leaders need to be fluid not fixed
77. is descriptive in nature, making them similar
78. defines the key characteristics leaders need to navigate all situations
79. views leader openness as more important than intelligence

Ans: A

Cognitive Domain: Analysis

Answer Location: How Does Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Analytical thinking

 

76. In a study by Arvidsson and colleagues on situational leadership using air traffic controllers as the subjects, researchers found the most often used leadership style was ______.
77. S1
78. S2
79. S3
80. S4

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Analysis

Answer Location: How Does Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Analytical thinking

 

77. In a study by Arvidsson and colleagues on situational leadership using air traffic controllers as the subjects, researchers found the least often used leadership style was ______.
78. S1
79. S2
80. S3
81. S4

Ans: A

Cognitive Domain: Analysis

Answer Location: How Does Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Analytical thinking

 

78. Early versions of the SLII model, developmental levels of followers were referred to as ______.
79. confidence or openness
80. readiness or maturity
81. social judgment or emotionality
82. skills or traits

Ans: B

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Description | Developmental Level

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

79. You area a regional manager, and your CEO suggests you use a coaching style with your follower Julio, a junior employee. If you are using the situational leadership approach, you should ______.
80. show Julio you believe in him by letting him make all decisions
81. back away from Julio and give him more time to develop on his own
82. encourage Julio and listen to his needs but still direct decisions on the goals
83. invite the CEO into the situation to conduct a coaching session with you and Julio together

Ans: C

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Leadership Styles

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork

 

80. Supportive leader behaviors help group members by ______.
81. setting timelines
82. defining roles
83. describing methods of evaluation
84. asking for input

Ans: D

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Leadership Styles

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

True/False

 

1. According to situational leadership, D3 subordinates may be highly skilled but also lack commitment.

Ans: T

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Development Level

 

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

2. D4 subordinates are not certain that they can do the job by themselves.

Ans: F

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Development Level

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

3. Situational leadership requires the clear recognition of subordinate needs.

Ans: T

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Development Level

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

4. The SLII model emphasizes flexibility in leadership style.

Ans: T

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: How Does Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

5. In SLII, Style 2 is low directive and low supportive.

Ans: F

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: How Does Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

6. In SLII, Style 3 is high supportive and low directive.

Ans: T

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: How Does Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

7. In SLII, delegating is ineffective with subordinates who are very competent and committed.

Ans: F

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: How Does Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Analytical thinking

 

8. SLII is used by many corporations to train leaders.

Ans: T

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: How Does Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

9. One of the strengths of the situational approach is its clear conceptualization of subordinates’ developmental levels.

Ans: F

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Strengths

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

10. The situational approach contends that leadership involves both directive and supportive behaviors.

Ans: T

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: How Does Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

Short Answer

 

1. Which developmental level is a follower at if she is described as “an enthusiastic beginner” and what leadership style should be used according to the SLII model?

Ans: The follower is at a D1 level (low competence but high commitment). A leader should use an S1 style–directing which involves high directive and low supportive behaviors.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Situational Leadership II Model

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

2. According to the situational approach, what are the two factors about an employee that a supervisor needs to consider when choosing appropriate leader behaviors?

Ans: The leader should take into consideration the individual follower’s level of competence (skills to accomplish the goal) and level of commitment (positive attitude toward reaching the goal).

Cognitive Domain: Knowledge

Answer Location: Developmental Level

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Application of knowledge

 

3. Gina supervises Ritesh by staying out of his way, fostering his confidence, and letting Ritesh make the choices on how to accomplish goals. What leadership style is Gina using?

Ans: Delegating style or low-directive/low-supportive style.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Leadership Style

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

4. You have just been appointed to lead a very active campus club on their goal to raise US$10,000. You have inherited a four-person fundraising team that has been in place for a year. If you want to apply the situational leadership approach, what should your first and second actions be?

Ans: First I should assess each member of the team for his/her developmental level (each member may be unique). Then, I should pick the appropriate leadership style to match and to use with each team member.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: How Does the Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork

 

5. Give an example of a directive behavior and an example of a supportive behavior.

Ans: For directive behavior, students may answer giving directions, establishing goals, setting timelines, establishing work methods, defining roles, showing how to accomplish tasks/goals. For supportive behavior, students may answer with behaviors such as asking for input, praising, sharing information about oneself, listening, encouraging, motivating, helping to solve problems.

Cognitive Domain: Comprehension

Answer Location: Leadership Style

Difficulty Level: Easy

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

Essay

 

1. According to the SLII model, why is there a regression in commitment at development Levels 2 and 3? Do you agree with this reasoning?

Ans: Development levels are meant to be task-specific, not means of labeling employees. In the case of D2, employees may have started to learn a job but aren’t quite as motivated as they were at the beginning. At the D3 level, employees are quite competent but have lost commitment to or enthusiasm for the project. What’s not clear in the model is why subordinates who gain competence would lose enthusiasm or motivation. The argument is not supported (yet) with research.

Cognitive Domain: Analysis

Answer Location: Development Level

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Analytical thinking

 

2. What are the characteristics of the four levels of follower development in the SLII model? How would you characterize the development level of the students in this class? Give evidence to support your view.

Ans: Should touch on the specifics of the following when characterizing class: D1 = low competence and high in commitment. D2 = some competence and low commitment. D3 = moderate to high competence and no commitment. D4 = high competence and high commitment. Students should support their examples with specific description and accurate application of the concepts.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Development Level

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

3. A basic assumption of the SLII is that employees’ skills and motivation vary over time. Do you agree? Can you think of any exceptions? Does the SLII fit all work situations equally well?

Ans: One exception might be employees who do the same task day after day and whose skills remain constant, like long-term factory workers. Motivation may or may not vary in this scenario. The SLII might be hard to implement when a leader has many subordinates. It may also be less useful than other leadership approaches in a small office where employees have worked together for years and have routinized jobs. Since the tasks and employees are the same, there’s not much need to adapt one’s leadership style, as long as it’s already effective.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: Development Level

Difficulty Level: Hard

AACSB Standard: Group and individual behaviors

 

4. Not all leadership communication takes place in person. How would the following media support or complicate each of the four leadership styles?

Telephone:

E-mail:

Twitter:

Written memos:

Ans: Should use specifics from the following styles to explain the interactions through each form of media: directing style–high directive and low supportive style, coaching approach–high directive and high supportive style, supporting approach–low directive and high supportive style, delegating approach–low directive and low supportive style.

Cognitive Domain: Analysis

Answer Location: Application

Difficulty Level: Hard

AACSB Standard: Analytical thinking

 

5. You have emerged as the leader of your business finance group project in class. Your group has been working together for five weeks on the major part of the project, the in-class group presentation. One group member has missed quite a few group meetings lately and is minimally contributing to the ideas and final product for the in-class presentation. This group member is a junior in finance with a minor in communications and stated that she is an expert in PowerPoint and multimedia presentations. Based on SLII, which leadership style should you exhibit?

Ans: Students could answer supporting or coaching depending upon how they interpret the scenario. Directing and delegating are not acceptable answers. The group member displays low commitment (missed meetings, minimal contribution) but at least some competence is presumed because of her major in finance and minor in communications. Some might interpret this as moderate to high competence and would select supporting style; others might interpret this as “some” competence, thus coaching style is appropriate. Students should describe the development level explicitly, using levels of competence and commitment that match the appropriate style as they answer this question.

Cognitive Domain: Application

Answer Location: How Does Situational Approach Work?

Difficulty Level: Moderate

AACSB Standard: Interpersonal relations and teamwork