1) What is the difference between trait theories and behavioral theories of leadership? The essay should be at least 200 words.
2) What is transformational leadership? Give examples of organizational situations that would call for transformational, transactional, or charismatic leadership.
The essay should be at least 200 words.
Case for Critical Analysis:
Mountain West Health Plans Inc.
1) How would you describe Evelyn Gustafson’s leadership style? What were its strengths and weaknesses? What were the sources of her influence?
2) How would you describe Erik Rasmussen’s leadership style as he tried to effect change? What are its strengths and weaknesses? What are the sources of his influence?
3) If you were Martin Quinn, would you recommend modifications in Erik Rasmussen’s leadership style that you would like him to adopt? Do you think it will be possible for Rasmussen to make the necessary changes? If not, why not? If you do think change is possible, how would you recommend the desired changes be facilitated? (a typical case analysis report is expected to be 400-600 words).
4) If an experienced secretary discovered that she made less money than a newly hired janitor, how would she react? What inputs and outcomes might she evaluate to make this comparison? The essay should be at least 200 words.
5) Would you rather work for a supervisor high in need for achievement, need for affiliation, or need for power? Why? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? The essay should be at least 200 words.
Case for Critical Analysis:
Kimbel’s Department Store:
1) What theories about motivation underlie the switch from salary to commission pay?
2) What needs are met under the commission system? Are they the same needs in the shoes and handbag department as they are in lingerie? Explain.
3) If you were Francis Patterson, would you go back to the previous compensation system, implement the straight commission plan in all Kimbel’s stores, or devise and test some other compensation method? If you decided to test another system, what would it look like? (a typical case analysis report is expected to be 400-600 words).
4) Describe the elements of the communication process. Give an example of each part of the model as it exists in the classroom during communication between teacher and students. The essay should be at least 200 words.
5) What are the characteristics of an effective listener? How would you rate yourself on those characteristics? The essay should be at least 200 words.
Case for Critical Analysis:
Hunter-Worth:
1) Based on Vicente Ruiz’s actions and his conversation with Chuck Moore, what differences do you detect in cultural attitudes toward communications in Mexico as compared with the United States? Is understanding these differences important? Explain.
2) What was the main purpose of Chuck’s communication to Vicente? To Michael Sato? What factors should he have considered when choosing a channel for his communication to Vicente? Are they the same factors he should have considered when communicating with Michael Sato?
3) If you were Chuck, what would you have done differently? What steps would you take at this point to make sure the supply of the popular new toy is sufficient to meet the anticipated demand? (a typical case analysis report is expected to be 400-600 words).
4) Imagine yourself as a potential member of a team responsible for designing a new package for breakfast cereal. Do you think interpersonal skills would be equally important if the team is organized face-to-face versus a virtual team? Why or why not? Might different types of interpersonal skills be required for the two types of teams? Be specific. The essay should be at least 200 words.
5) When you are a member of a team, do you adopt a task specialist or socioemotional role? Which role is more important for a team’s effectiveness? The essay should be at least 200 words.
Case for Critical Analysis:
Calgary Oil Shale Technologies, Inc.
1) Algoma Howard and Carlos Debrito phased in permanent cross-functional teams in Alberta. What types of teams are the “fireside chats” and “problem-busting teams”? Through what stage of stages of team development did these groups evolve?
2) What role did Carlos Debrito play in the success of the Alberta team-based productivity project? What leadership approach did he employ to help reduce conflict between labor and the professionals? Do you agree with Algoma Howard that if she just had a Carlos Debrito in Colorado the project would succeed? Explain your answer.
3) What advice would you give Algoma Howard and her team for improving the employee involvement climate, containing costs, and meeting production goals at the Colorado facility? (a typical case analysis report is expected to be 400-600 words).
4) Describe the advantages of using a balanced scorecard to measure and control organizational performance. Suppose you created a balanced scorecard for McDonald’s. What specific customer service measures would you include? The essay should be at least 200 words.
Case for Critical Analysis:
Lincoln Electric:
1. Does Lincoln follow a hierarchical or decentralized approach to management? Explain your answer and give examples.
2. Based on what you’ve just read, what do you think makes the Lincoln System so successful in the United States?
3. What is the problem with transporting Lincoln’s control system to other national cultures? What suggestions would you make to Lincoln’s managers to make future international manufacturing plants more successful?
4. Should Lincoln borrow money and pay bonuses to avoid breaking trust with its U.S. workers? Why or why not? (a typical case analysis report is expected to be 400-600 words)
The essays should be next each other in separate page. Also the cases should be next each other in separate page.
The textbook for this assignment is Daft, Richard L. 2010. Management (9th Ed.). Mason, OH: Southwestern. (ISBN-10: 0-324-59584-0 | ISBN-13: 978-0-324-59584-0. Please do not purchase any other edition or the international edition.)