Module Three – Leadership Styles

Question-and-Answer flashcards covering major leadership styles, theories, and key behaviors from Module Three lecture notes.

What are the four key leader behaviors in Conversational Leadership?

(1) Selects key stakeholders, (2) meets privately one-to-one, (3) shares the leader’s own views, and (4) seeks the individual’s wisdom.

Where are discussions held in Participatory Leadership, and how does this differ from Conversational Leadership?

They are held with all selected stakeholders together in a group setting, whereas Conversational Leadership uses private one-to-one meetings.

In Collaborative Leadership, who makes the final decision after group discussion?

The leader listens to all views but ultimately makes the final decision.

How is the final decision made in Democratic Leadership?

By a popular vote of all group members after open discussion.

List two distinguishing behaviors of Autocratic Leadership.

(1) Direct, centralized decision-making (“my way or the highway”) and (2) little or no collaboration; followers are micromanaged.

On what does an Authoritative Leader base their authority?

Their own confidence, wisdom, knowledge, skills, and values.

When is Authoritative Leadership considered most effective?

For short-term or intermediate goals that require clear vision from a confident leader.

Give three typical actions of a Directive Leader.

Sets performance standards, clarifies expectations/schedules, and provides clear directions while still informing and listening.

What is the primary focus of Supportive Leadership?

Creating a pleasant work environment and showing genuine concern for followers’ needs and well-being.

State two core principles of Servant Leadership.

(1) Acting in the best interests of followers and (2) fostering trust, cooperation, and reciprocal service by serving others first.

Define Laissez-Faire Leadership in one sentence.

A hands-off style in which leaders give followers full freedom to make decisions and show little involvement or concern for task completion.

What does Situational Leadership emphasize about choosing a leadership style?

Matching the style to the specific situation; there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Why is Distributive Leadership often necessary in schools?

Because the scope of school leadership demands sharing responsibilities with capable individuals or teams to address varied tasks and cultures.

Explain the basic transaction in Transactional Leadership.

Followers receive rewards for completing agreed-upon tasks, which in turn helps leaders meet their objectives.

According to Expectancy Theory, when are followers most motivated?

When they highly value the anticipated reward and believe they can realistically earn it through performance.

What is the main premise of Contingency Theory in leadership?

Leadership effectiveness depends on matching a leader’s style (relational or task-oriented) to the demands of the specific situation.

Give two hallmark traits of Transformational Leadership.

(1) Communicating a clear, shared vision and (2) motivating and empowering followers toward that vision through high encouragement and moral reasoning.

How does Instructional Leadership differ in focus from Transformational Leadership?

It zeroes in on teaching, learning, and the direct impact on student achievement, rather than solely inspiring toward a broad organizational vision.

What three behaviors characterize Achievement-Oriented Leadership?

Setting challenging goals, focusing on performance excellence, and demonstrating confidence in followers’ abilities to succeed.

What belief about workers defines Theory X in McGregor’s X and Y Theory?

People prefer to avoid work, lack ambition, resist change, and must be managed with rewards and controls.

Contrast Theory Y with Theory X.

Theory Y sees work as natural and satisfying, believing people can be self-directed, committed, and motivated by intrinsic rewards.

In the Path-Goal Theory, which two leadership styles discussed are specifically highlighted?

Participatory Leadership and Achievement-Oriented Leadership.

Which leadership styles explicitly share decision power with followers?

Democratic, Collaborative, Distributive, and (to an extent) Participatory Leadership.

Name two leadership styles that rely heavily on a leader’s personal vision or authority.

Authoritative Leadership and Transformational Leadership.

In what leadership style are directives considered the "order of the day"?

Autocratic Leadership.

What commonality links Supportive, Servant, and Achievement-Oriented Leadership?

All place significant emphasis on attending to followers’ needs (support, service, or confidence) to drive performance.

Which leadership theory explicitly ties motivation to the perceived value of rewards?

Expectancy Theory.

Why might a leader choose Laissez-Faire Leadership intentionally?

To grant full autonomy to capable, self-directed followers or when the leader must focus attention elsewhere.

Which leadership style often combines elements of transformational, transactional, and collaborative approaches to foster trust?

Servant Leadership.

How does Contingency Theory guide the selection of a leader for a given situation?

By seeking a relational leader for relational contexts and a task-oriented leader for task-focused contexts to ensure the best fit.