Topic 2 : Effective Leadership Behaviours and Attitudes

Which of the following is considered a core trait of effective leaders according to trait theories?

• Physical strength

• Emotional intelligence

• Social status

• Financial wealth

Answer explanation

Bloom’s Level : Remembering (Easy)

Correct Answer: B) Emotional intelligence
Explanation: Emotional intelligence is a core trait identified in trait theories as essential for effective leadership.

What is the main difference between Trait Theories and Behavioural Theories of leadership?

• Trait Theories focus on learned behaviours, while Behavioural Theories focus on personality traits.

• Trait Theories focus on inherent traits, while Behavioural Theories focus on actions and behaviours.

• Trait Theories focus on situational factors, while Behavioural Theories ignore them.

• Trait Theories focus on the environment, while Behavioural Theories focus on education.

Answer explanation

Bloom’s Level : Understanding  (Easy)

Correct Answer: B) Trait Theories focus on inherent traits, while Behavioural Theories focus on actions and behaviours.
Explanation: Trait Theories emphasize inherent qualities, whereas Behavioural Theories emphasize what leaders do, rather than what traits they possess.

If a leader believes that employees are inherently lazy and need constant supervision, they are likely following which theory?

• Theory X

• Theory Y

• Trait Theory

• Behavioural Theory

Answer explanation

Bloom’s Level : Applying  (Average)

Correct Answer: A) Theory X
Explanation: Theory X assumes that employees are naturally unmotivated and dislike work, requiring strong control and supervision.

How would a manager with a Theory Y perspective approach employee motivation?

• By closely monitoring every task to ensure compliance.

• By offering financial rewards for increased productivity.

• By empowering employees to take initiative and make decisions.

• By implementing strict rules and guidelines.

Answer explanation

Bloom’s Level : Analysing  (Average)

Correct Answer: C) By empowering employees to take initiative and make decisions.
Explanation: Theory Y managers believe that employees are self-motivated and thrive on responsibility and creativity.

The Ohio State University leadership studies identified which two main dimensions of leadership behaviour?

• Task orientation and Employee orientation

• Consideration and Initiating Structure

• Autocratic and Democratic

• Theory X and Theory Y

Answer explanation

Bloom’s Level : Remembering (Easy)

Correct Answer: B) Consideration and Initiating Structure
Explanation: The Ohio State studies identified "Consideration" (people-oriented) and "Initiating Structure" (task-oriented) as the two primary dimensions of leadership behaviour.

A leader who is high in "Initiating Structure" according to the Ohio State University studies is likely to:

• Focus on team-building activities.

• Set clear goals and closely monitor progress.

• Be highly empathetic towards employees.

• Delegate all responsibilities to subordinates

Answer explanation

Bloom’s Level : Understanding  (Easy)

Correct Answer: B) Set clear goals and closely monitor progress.
Explanation: A leader high in "Initiating Structure" emphasizes task-oriented behaviours, such as setting clear goals and closely monitoring work processes.

Which leadership style was identified by the University of Iowa studies as being the most effective?

• Autocratic

• Democratic

• Laissez-faire

• Transformational

Answer explanation

• Bloom’s Level : Remembering (Easy)

• Correct Answer: B) Democratic
  Explanation: The University of Iowa studies found that the Democratic style, which encourages group participation in decision-making, was the most effective.

Why might a laissez-faire leadership style be less effective in a high-pressure environment?

• It limits creativity among employees.

• It leads to micromanagement.

• It may result in a lack of direction and control.

• It discourages team collaboration.

Answer explanation

Bloom’s Level : Analysing  (Average)

Correct Answer: C) It may result in a lack of direction and control.
Explanation: Laissez-faire leadership, which involves minimal interference, can lead to inefficiency and confusion in high-pressure situations where clear guidance is necessary.

The Managerial Grid identifies which two dimensions of leadership?

• Employee orientation and Task orientation

• Concern for People and Concern for Production

• Consideration and Initiating Structure

• Democratic and Autocratic

Answer explanation

Bloom’s Level : Remembering (Easy)

Correct Answer: B) Concern for People and Concern for Production
Explanation: The Managerial Grid, developed by Blake and Mouton, focuses on a leader's "Concern for People" and "Concern for Production."

A leader who scores high on both "Concern for People" and "Concern for Production" in the Managerial Grid would likely adopt which leadership style?

• Country Club Management

• Team Management

• Authority-Compliance Management

• Impoverished Management

Answer explanation

Bloom’s Level : Applying  (Average)

Correct Answer: B) Team Management
Explanation: Leaders with high concern for both people and production tend to follow a "Team Management" style, which is considered the most effective in the Managerial Grid.