OB - CH 12

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the major schools of leadership theory, including trait, behavioral, contingency, and contemporary styles as outlined in Chapter 12.

Leadership

The ability to influence a group toward the achievement of a vision or set of goals.

Trait theories of leadership

Theories that focus on personal qualities and characteristics that differentiate leaders from nonleaders.

Emotional intelligence (EI)

A trait that may indicate effective leadership, with empathy serving as its core component.

Behavioral theories of leadership

Theories implying that leadership is a skill that can be trained, rather than just an inherent quality.

Initiating structure

The extent to which a leader defines and structures his or her role and those of subordinates to facilitate goal attainment, including organizing work, relationships, and goals.

Consideration

The extent to which a leader has job relationships characterized by mutual trust, respect for employees' ideas, and regard for their feelings.

Path-goal theory

A theory stating the leader's job is to assist followers in attaining their goals and to provide the direction or support needed to ensure those goals are compatible with organizational objectives.

Directive leader

A leader who lets subordinates know what is expected of them, schedules work, and gives specific guidance on task accomplishment.

Supportive leader

A leader who shows concern for the needs of followers and is friendly.

Participative leader

A leader who consults with group members and uses their suggestions before making a final decision.

Achievement-oriented leader

A leader who sets challenging goals and expects followers to perform at their highest level.

Fiedler contingency model

A model stating that effective group performance depends on matching the leader's stable style with the degree of situational control.

Leader-member relations

A contingency dimension measuring the degree of confidence, trust, and respect members have in their leader.

Task structure

A contingency dimension measuring the degree to which job assignments are procedural.

Position power

The degree of influence a leader has over power variables such as hiring, firing, discipline, promotions, and salary increases.

Situational leadership theory (SLT)

A contingency theory that focuses on the followers' readiness to accomplish a specific task.

Readiness

The extent to which people have the ability and willingness to accomplish a specific task.

Leader-Member Exchange Theory

A theory arguing that leaders establish a special relationship with a small group of followers (the in-group) who receive more attention and privileges.

Charismatic leadership

A leadership style characterized by vision and articulation, personal risk-taking, sensitivity to follower needs, and unconventional behavior.

Transactional Leader

A leader who guides or motivates their followers in the direction of established goals by clarifying role and task requirements.

Laissez-Faire Leader

A leader who abdicates responsibilities and avoids making decisions.

Transformational Leader

A leader who inspires followers to transcend their own self-interests for the good of the organization and is capable of having a profound effect on followers.

Authentic leaders

Leaders who know who they are, what they believe in and value, and act on those values openly and candidly.

Servant leaders

Leaders who go beyond their self-interest and focus on opportunities to help followers grow and develop, characterized by listening and stewardship.

Abusive Supervision

The perception that a supervisor is hostile in their verbal and nonverbal behavior.

Trust

A psychological state where you agree to make yourself vulnerable to another because you have positive expectations about how things will turn out.

Integrity

A dimension of trust referring to a leader's honesty and consistency in keeping promises and following moral principles.