In this Discussion, you will consider how two dyadic leadership theories, leader-member exchange (LMX) theory and social identity theory, account for a weak relationship that you, or your co-worker, had with a leader.
In this Discussion, you will consider how two dyadic leadership theories, leader-member exchange (LMX) theory and social identity theory, account for a weak relationship that you, or your co-worker, had with a leader.
Question 1:
In this Discussion, you will apply contingency, situational, and path-goal theories to the selection of leadership styles, traits, skills, and behaviors given a specific set of contextual factors described by your colleagues.
To Prepare
Read this week’s Learning Resources on contingency, situational, and path-goal theories of leadership.
Consider how each theory can be applied to the selection of effective leadership approaches based on specific contextual factors, such as a leader’s authority, leader-follower relationships, follower characteristics, and task characteristics.
Note: For this Discussion, you are only required to respond to one colleague.
Respond to the statement, “There is no one effective leadership style,” using one of the following theories: contingency theory, situational theory, and path-goal theory. Then describe a leadership position and related contextual factors at the organization in which you currently work or an organization in which you have previously worked. In your description, be sure to address the following questions: Does the leader have a formal position of power, and can he or she deliver rewards and punishments? Overall, how would you characterize the relationships between leaders and followers? Are the relationships good or poor? Provide specific examples to illustrate your response.
Overall, how would you describe the work tasks followers complete? Are the tasks simple or complex? Structured or unstructured?
Overall, how would you characterize followers in terms of their competence, confidence, locus of control, and need for affiliation?
To Prepare:
Read Chapter 7 in the Northouse text and the articles on social identity and LMX theories of leadership.
Consider how social identity and LMX theories account for the relationships between leaders and followers. In addition, identify antecedents and outcomes of strong and weak leader-follower relationships.
Reflect on a weak relationship that you, or a co-worker, had with a leader. Consider how the relationship affected you or your co-worker’s motivation, morale, and work performance.
Think about how social identity theory or LMX theory could have been applied to improve your or your co-worker’s relationship with the leader.
Briefly describe a weak relationship you, or a co-worker, had with a leader. Be sure to use pseudonyms to protect the identities of those you discuss. Explain why the relationship was weak and how it affected you or your co-worker’s motivation, morale, and work performance. Finally, using social identity theory or LMX theory, explain how the leader could have improved the relationship. Use specific examples to support your response.
Number of Sources: 2
Number of Pages: 1
PowerPoint slides:
Preferred Spacing: Double spaced
Your Topic: discussion Questions