Business Leadership Terminology

Business Leadership Exam Review Flashcards

Active Listening

The process of taking action to help someone say exactly what he or she really means

Administrators

Individuals responsible for managing and overseeing operations within an organization, institution, or department

Communication

An interpersonal process of sending and receiving symbols with messages attached to them

Concurrent control

Ensure the right things are being done as part of work-flow operations, monitor ongoing operations to ensure they align with plans, and reduce waste

Controlling

Measuring performances and taking action to ensure desired results

Corporate Social Responsibility

A business approach that involves a company taking responsibility for the social, environmental, and economic impact of its operations

Destructive Stress

Negative stress that hinders performance, leads to burnout, and causes harm to mental and physical health

Constructive Stress

Positive stress that motivates individuals to improve performance, focus, and achieve their goals

Distractions

External or internal factors that divert attention away from a task or goal, leading to a decrease in productivity and focus

Effectiveness

The degree to which a task or goal is successfully completed to produce the desired result or outcome, regardless of the resources used

Efficiency

The ability to achieve a goal or complete a task using the least amount of time, effort, and resources possible without compromising quality

Empowerment

The process of giving individuals or teams the authority, confidence, and tools to make decisions, take ownership of their work, and contribute to achieving organizational or personal goals

Ethical dilemma

A situation in which a person or organization must make a difficult choice between conflicting moral principles or values, often where no clear "right" decision exists

Ethics

The principles and standards that guide an individual or organization in determining what is morally right or wrong, fair or unfair, and just or unjust in behavior and decision-making

Expert Power

A type of influence that arises from an individual's specialized knowledge, skills, or expertise, which others rely on for guidance and advice

Extrinsic

Relating to external factors or rewards, such as money, recognition, or praise, that motivate individuals to perform a task or achieve a goal

Extraversion

A personality trait characterized by sociability, enthusiasm, assertiveness, and a preference for being around others. Extroverts typically draw energy from social interactions.

Feedback

Information or responses provided to an individual or team about their performance, behavior, or decisions to help them improve, grow, or adjust their actions

Feedback controls

Take place after work is completed and focuses on quality of end results, rather than on inputs and activities

Feedforward control

Takes place before a work activity begins

Functional Manager

Manages a specific department (like HR, Marketing, Finance) in a company

Integrity

Being honest and doing the right thing, even when no one is watching

Intrinsic Motivation

Doing something because you enjoy it or find it personally rewarding, not for rewards or pressure

Laissez-faire Style

A leadership style where the leader gives employees freedom to make their own decisions and work on their own. Low concern for task and people.

Leading

Guiding and inspiring people to reach a goal or complete a task

Management by Objectives (MBO)

A method where managers and employees set clear, measurable goals to achieve together

Managers

People who supervise and guide teams or departments to meet goals

Mission

The main goal or purpose of an organization—why it exists

Motivation

The reason or drive to do something. It can be internal (intrinsic) or external (like rewards)

Myers-Briggs

A personality test that groups people into 16 different types based on their preferences

Non-verbal Communication

Communicating without words, using body language, facial expressions, and gestures

Noise

Anything that interferes with communication, like distractions or misunderstandings

Norm (Social and Group)

Unwritten rules of behavior expected in society or a group

Organization(s)

A group of people working together towards a common goal, like a company or nonprofit

Organizational Behavior

How people behave in an organization and how that affects its success

Organizing

Arranging resources (people, tasks, tools) to get things done efficiently

Planning

Setting goals and deciding the best way to achieve them

Planning Benefits

Helps with clear goals, better resource use, and prepares you for challenges

Productivity

How efficiently work gets done, usually measured by output per hour worked

Profitability

How much profit a company makes compared to its costs and revenue

Project Manager

A person who plans, organizes, and makes sure a project is completed on time and within budget

Projection

Estimating future outcomes based on current or past data

Single-use plans

Made for one-time projects (like a product launch)

Other plans

Include ongoing plans like rules or policies that guide regular operations

Staff Manager

Supports line managers (doesn’t directly manage production, but provides expertise)

Standing Plans

Long-term, repeatable plans like policies and procedures

Status Effect

How someone's rank or position affects how others treat them or behave around them

Stress

The pressure or anxiety caused by challenges or demands at work

Team Leader

Leads a team, guides them, and ensures everyone works together to meet goals

Transformational Values

Inspires and motivates people to do their best and innovate

Transactional Values

Focuses on rewards and penalties for performance

Whistleblower

Someone who reports wrongdoings or illegal activities within a company

Workforce Diversity

Having a mix of different people in terms of race, gender, age, etc., in the workplace