Deck 2: Behavioural Models

Question 1

In identifying leadership skills, the Behavioural Theorists profess that efficient leaders can learn these behaviours by appropriate developmental programmes such as training courses and role modelling.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Which statement is the most accurate reflection of Watson's ideas of leadership?

A) Stating that by first identifying a set of traits or styles that reflect 'leadership needs', a prospective leader could study these and, with practice, develop behaviours to match.
B) States that anyone could be trained and coached to act, think, and behave according to a prescribed model of behaviour regardless of their individual propensities
C) Stated everyone could be trained or coached to act, think, but individuals behave according to a prescribed model of behaviour based upon their individual propensities
D) States that not everyone could be trained or coached to act, think, but behaves according to a prescribed model of behaviour based upon their individual propensities

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Operant or Classical Conditioning reflect early approaches towards changing behaviour.
Which description correctly describes research into Operant Conditioning?

A) Thorndike (1874-1949), who observed the behaviour of cats trying to escape from homemade puzzle boxes.
B) Pavlov's (1960) experiment with dogs
C) Skinner's (1953) approach to conditioning based on reinforcement, punishment, and extinction
D) Pollitt's article (2010) example of how training and development can develop leadership skills.

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Classical conditioning is a technique used in behavioural training in which a naturally occurring stimulus is paired with a response.

Question 5

Katz (1955) proposed a model that had three basic developable skills-technical, human, and conceptual.
Which is the best description of Katz's identification of what a leader needs to accomplish rather than a manager?

A) Technical skills demand the leader to understand how the individual sits within their work role and what they will need to do to apply their skills relative to the human needs of the organisation.
B) Conceptual skills needed mean that the leader will be able to work with people, both superiors and subordinates, who may have knowledge of how the organisation works.
C) Technical Skills allow the leader to be able to work with people, both superiors and subordinates such as an accountant or a surgeon as these workers will be able to have knowledge of how the organisation works.
D) Conceptual skills needed mean the leader will be able to understand in a broad sense how the organization works together, both internally and externally.

Question 6

With many books being written that purport to aid the reader with their 'skills' potentially anyone could become a 'leader' simply by attending a course, being mentored, and role modelling an existing leader.
Is it true that Covey's (1989) popular The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People might depict this fashionable approach-follow this recipe and you will improve?

Question 7

Mintzberg used an empirically-based methodology to see how 'modern' executives carried out their roles. From ten main activities, he broadly categorised three roles: interpersonal, information processing and decision making.
Which provides the best match to the observations of the manager's activities?

A) The Figurehead - the Leader has to work between as formal trade unions or other functional departments to produce the best outcome for the organization
B) The Disseminator will be passing down of gathered information to subordinates.
C) The Entrepreneur uses legitimate authority, this manager will oversee the essential elements within the enterprise
D) Resource allocator is transmitting information about the organization to its external stakeholders also internally by reporting to a board.

Question 8

In the development of their Managerial Grid, Blake and Mouton (1964) identified two fundamental drivers of managerial behaviour.
Which best reflects at least one of the classical drivers that they identified?

A) Concern for getting the job done is a Task Focussed approach
B) The achievement of goals and objectives through production is a concern for the people doing the work
C) The needs of those engaged in production (people)
D) An excessive concern to avoid conflict and maintain good relationships is a Relationship Approach

Question 9

Adair's (1973) Action Centred Leadership, proposes three principal considerations a leader needs to address if they are to be successful. These are personality, skills or strengths needs.

Question 10

Toxic Leadership is exhibited by destructive behaviour and/or dysfunctional personal characteristics (that) generate a serious and enduring poisonous effect on the individuals, families, organizations, communities. Through review of Kellerman's seven descriptors (2004) consider which response provides the best explanation of the negative aspects of this leadership approach.

A) By being insular, the leader attempts to maximise the health and welfare of those outside their in-group thus creating powerful actions within the organisation.
B) By being incompetent, the leader is set in their ways. Although they may have been competent, they are unable or unwilling to adapt to new ideas, new information, or changing times.
C) The leader is callous by being caring or kind. The leader chooses to ignore the emotional needs of their followers discounting these as strengths
D) The leader lacks self-control and is aided and abetted by followers who are unwilling or unable to effectively intervene, for example when the leader explodes in an angry outburst